REACH (Retrofit and Energy Assessments for Community Halls)

Community Action Northumberland, working in collaboration with Groundwork Yorkshire, is delivering REACH (Retrofit and Energy Assessments for Community Halls), a new two-year programme running from April 2026 to March 2028. The project builds on Community Action Northumberland’s long-standing work supporting community buildings, improving energy efficiency,cutting carbon emissions and providing sustainability.

As a trusted charity, Community Action Northumberland (CAN) works directly with residents, volunteers and community organisations to provide practical energy advice and support. Through initiatives such as CAIRN (Climate Action in Rural North East), Powering People (Off-Electricity-Grid Properties), NEWH (North East Warmer Homes), Warm Hubs and NCEL (Northumberland Community Energy Limited), CAN helps people stay warm, reduce energy bills and access funding for improvements, while also supporting community buildings and local energy projects.

REACH has been developed in response to increasing demand from community organisations struggling with high energy costs, inefficient buildings and a lack of clear starting points for retrofit. The project will provide tailored energy audits for community halls and buildings, establishing a baseline of energy performance and delivering clear, prioritised recommendations for improvement.

The project will offer trusted guidance to help organisations access installers, appropriate technologies and funding for retrofit measures such as insulation, solar PV and low-carbon heating systems. Community Action Northumberland will lead on community engagement, ensuring support is locally tailored and accessible, particularly in rural and off-grid areas where fuel poverty is more acute.

Alongside building improvements, REACH will strengthen local capacity by equipping staff, volunteers and community groups with the knowledge and skills to manage energy effectively. The programme will also provide training for volunteers, ongoing support for energy-related issues and help organisations to establish environmental policies and showcase renewable technologies in practice. Grant and funding advice will form a key part of the support available to community buildings.

REACH will help community buildings become warmer, cheaper to run and more energy efficient, while also cutting carbon emissions. Over time, REACH will support stronger, more sustainable rural communities by helping keep local spaces welcoming, affordable and fit for the future.

For more information, please contact Jake Delacey, Energy and Retrofit Assessor, on 07450 866874 or jakedelacey@ca-north.org.uk.