Large-scale multiactor training and mentoriship programme to ASSist people with physical impairments in energy povERTy

The ASSERT project, funded by the European LIFE program (LIFE23-CET-ASSERT), has as its main goal the support of people with physical disabilities, who, due to their higher energy needs and lower incomes, are particularly vulnerable to energy poverty. Addressing their specific needs can break the vicious cycle of deteriorating health conditions, often worsened by poor living conditions caused by energy poverty. The project also recognizes that many key actors, such as local policymakers and civil society intermediaries, lack the skills and knowledge to effectively tackle these issues. For this reason, ASSERT will provide them with an integrated and specialized training and mentoring program, equipping them with the necessary skills to address the full spectrum of issues related to energy poverty.

The ASSERT program adopts a bottom-up participatory approach, developing training and mentoring based on a SWOT analysis of existing training programs and an analysis of the gaps in the target groups. Through personalized mentoring, ASSERT provides direct support to intermediaries, helping them assist vulnerable individuals in adopting more efficient and renewable energy solutions. The project involves implementing training programs for frontline workers, such as healthcare providers and social workers, so they can identify families affected by energy poverty and provide practical information on how to reduce energy consumption and access more affordable and innovative energy sources. Additionally, ASSERT offers targeted training for families directly impacted by energy poverty, particularly those with low digital skills, with the aim of improving their energy and digital awareness, enabling them to better manage energy consumption and bills, and actively participate in the transition to more sustainable energy.

Objectives

• Help policymakers understand energy poverty and disability by providing training to local officials to integrate energy poverty and disability into energy policies
• Train intermediaries to support those in need through training for social workers and community organizations on energy poverty
• Support people with disabilities in meeting their energy needs by offering special resources for those facing high energy costs
•  Measure the impact of the training and mentoring program by evaluating the program's effectiveness in connecting energy poverty and disability

Actions

• Provide data and recommendations to integrate energy poverty and disability into energy policies
• Launch a mentorship program for municipalities and intermediaries by engaging 5 municipalities in a participatory process to analyze and bridge knowledge gaps
• Support intermediaries in training on energy poverty and disability by providing training and resources to help people with disabilities meet their energy needs
• Monitor the impact of the mentorship program by collecting data on the effectiveness of the training and mentorship and adapting resources based on the results
• Finalize the project outcomes and create a strategy to ensure sustainable use of the created resources

Partners

1. AISFOR - AISFOR SRL

2. RETE ASSIST - RETE ASSIST

3. ENERCOOP - ENERCOOP

4. ECOSERVEIS - ASOCIACION ECOSERVEIS

5. CCR - CITIZEN CROSSROADS

6. CEA - ENERGEIAKO GRAFEIO KYPROU

7. CLIMATE ALLIANCE - CLIMATE ALLIANCE - KLIMA-BUENDNIS - ALIANZA DEL CLIMA e.V.

8. ENIL - EUROPEAN NETWORK ON INDEPENDENT LIVING BRUSSELS OFFICE

9. NTUA - ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION

10. IEECP - INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE POLICY STICHTING

11. Eurac - ACCADEMIA EUROPEA DI BOLZANO

12. Banco Energia - Banco dell'energia