Energy Advice Cafés

Community advice cafés for home energy support.

Who are Energy Advice Cafés for?

As the cost of living rises, managing energy use is crucial. Many households struggle with energy bills, and we’re here to help. Our Energy Advice Cafés offer tips on making your home more energy-efficient and saving money.

Everyone is welcome to drop into our free Cafés for practical advice, follow-up support, financial aid info, and cost-cutting workshops.

Each session lasts 1 - 2 hours. Just bring your recent energy bills and usage info, and feel free to bring friends or family who could benefit!

A man holding out some leaflets on energy advice

Welcome to our Energy Advice Cafés!

At Communities 1st, we're here to help you take control of your energy use and save on your bills. Our Energy Advice Cafés offer a welcoming space where you can chat with friendly experts about simple ways to save energy and learn about financial support that's available to you.

Where are the Cafés?

Come along and enjoy a complimentary hot drink while chatting about your energy options. We can give you information leaflets to take away and read, and supply free carbon monoxide monitors for certain people.

Aberford Community Centre

Aberford Community Centre

Day and time:

Wednesdays from 12 noon - 4pm.  

Location:

Aberford Community Centre, Aberford Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1PL.

Bushey Library

Bushey Library

Day and time:

Thursdays from 12 noon - 2pm.  

Location:

Bushey Library, Sparrows Herne, WD23 1FA.

Farriers Way Community Centre

Farriers Way Community Centre

Day and time:

Thursdays from 10am - 2pm.  

Location:

Farriers Way Community Centre, 27 Farriers Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB.

Organ Hall Community Centre

Organ Hall

Day and time:

Fridays from 10am - 2pm.  

Location:

Organ Hall, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB.

Phillimore Community Centre

Phillimore Community Centre

Day and time:

Tuesdays from 12 noon - 4pm.  

Location:

Phillimore Community Centre, Phillimore Place, Radlett, WD7 8NN.

Windsor Hall

Windsor Hall

Day and time:

Mondays from 10.30am - 12.30pm.  

Location:

Windsor Hall, Blyth Close, Gateshead Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EE.

Your Community Hub

A photo of the front of Your Community Hub.

Day and time:

Mondays - Thursdays from 9am - 3.45pm and Fridays from 9am - 1pm.  

Location:

5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EB.

What if I cannot get to a Café?

If you cannot join us at our Energy Advice Cafés, don't fret! We can help you over the phone or email. Contact us on 01727 649930 or help@communities1st.org.uk.

Our telephone lines are open on Mondays - Fridays, 9am - 4:30pm.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Your home is at risk of carbon monoxide leaks from poorly fitted or maintained gas appliances and blocked chimneys or vents. It can also be produced by BBQs, wood burners and generators.

If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline now on 0800 111 999.

To minimise the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should ensure all gas appliances are properly installed and annually serviced by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, ensure chimneys and flues are cleaned annually to prevent blockages, and install carbon monoxide alarms within your home and test them regularly.

If eligible, you can pick up a carbon monoxide monitor for free at our Energy Advice Cafés in Hertsmere!

Man fitting carbon monoxide alarm to a beige ceiling

FREE Carbon Monoxide Workshop

This is an information and advice session led by the Gas Safety Charity.

Date Time Register
Monday 3 March 11am - 12pm Event passed
Wednesday 11 June 11am - 12pm Book here
Wednesday 17 September 11am - 12pm Book here
Friday 21 November 11am - 12pm Event not yet bookable

 

Gas safety for those with restricted mobility

Would you, or someone you care for find it difficult to turn off your Emergency Control Valve (ECV) in the event of a gas emergency?

If you would struggle to hold and turn a traditional ECV handle, the EasyAssist™ will help you. It is designed to be activated at the push of a button isolating the gas supply while you wait for the Gas Emergency Service to attend.  

It has an additional safety feature so, in the event of a domestic house fire (temperatures exceeding 100c), the EasyAssist™ will automatically activate and shut off the gas supply.

Learn more about the EasyAssist™ by clicking the button below.

EasyAssist™ is a big red button that can be fitted to your traditional Emergency Control Valve.

Cadent's energy saving tips for your home

We all want to save money on energy bills while staying safe and well, and one of the easiest ways to reduce costs is by making small, simple changes which can add up to real annual savings.