Support for community groups and organisations
By introducing Utility Aid to Kelfield Village Institute, the community group made significant energy savings, helping them to provide vital social activities within their community.
An introduction to Utility Aid cut Kelfield Village Institute’s village hall energy bills by £600. This saving will ensure their crafting groups, coffee mornings and pop-up pubs can continue to bring much-loved community activities to their village.
What was the challenge?
The team at Kelfield Village Institute were finding it difficult to reduce their building’s high electricity costs. In an attempt to reduce their outgoings, the group turned to comparison websites for help but weren’t satisfied with the suggested outcomes.
After coming across Community First Yorkshire’s annual event for Village Halls Week which had Utility Aid in attendance, the Institute decided to go along and see what was on offer.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
After meeting Emily from Utility Aid at a Village Halls Week event, the Institute’s treasurer sent over recent utility bills to get the ball rolling. He was assigned a Utility Aid account manager who then got in touch with some alternative quotes which proved to be far more cost effective. With the decision made to switch suppliers, the account manager also helped to fill in all the necessary forms for a smooth switchover in June ’24.
The village hall’s energy bills were cut by £600 a year (with a three-year contract), a significant saving that will help ensure that the building can continue to provide vital social activities for the small village including crafting groups, coffee mornings, pop-up pubs, a choir and exercise classes. Without the hall, the community would have to travel further afield for social gatherings.
"The hall is there for the community to use and provide some cohesion when there is nothing much else in the village, but running small halls like ours is getting harder and it all comes down to money. We soldier on with fundraising but saving £600 on electricity is quite substantial."Kelfield Village Institute
About the organisation
Kelfield Village Hall, run by Kelfield Village Institute, is located on Riccall Lane in the North Yorkshire village of Kelfield. The hall is available for hire for all manner of purposes including birthday parties, music events, exercise and wellness classes.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Community Support North Yorkshire is funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefitting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk