Kelly Adams and Connor Champion form our Affordable Warmth Team. They support households across the Tees Valley to stay warm, safe, and comfortable at home by helping them better understand and manage their energy use.
They provide practical advice, tailored guidance, and referrals to relevant support to reduce energy costs, improve home energy efficiency, and address fuel poverty.
Our goal is to empower people with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their energy, improve wellbeing, and feel more confident managing their home energy in the long term.
Our Affordable Warmth Team offer free, friendly and practical support, including:
- One‑to‑one energy advice
- Help understanding your energy bills
- Guidance on reducing energy costs in your home
- Identifying any additional energy‑efficiency support you may be eligible for, such as grants and other schemes
We also provide information sessions and awareness training for frontline staff and community groups on affordable warmth. If your organisation would like to learn more, please get in touch.
For further information, or to book an appointment, contact the Affordable Warmth Team on 0800 304 7084 or email warmhomes@menvcity.org.uk
Meet Kelly
What inspired you to work in Affordable Warmth and support local residents?
“I’ve seen how much pressure financial worries can place on families, and I wanted to work in a role where I could provide practical support to ease that burden, especially when it comes to rising energy costs.”
What’s the one piece of Affordable Warmth advice everyone should know?
“You’re not alone – many people find energy bills and pricing confusing. Don’t feel embarrassed about asking for support; reaching out early gives you more options to manage costs and avoid debt.”
What’s a small change that can make a big difference to saving energy?
“Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can noticeably cut costs without sacrificing comfort.”
What do you enjoy most about helping people with their energy?
“Knowing that the support I have given them has made a positive impact to their lives.”
What’s one myth about energy bills or heating you’d love to bust?
“The idea that nothing can be done about high energy bills – there are always steps, schemes, or advice that can help reduce the impact.”
Meet Connor
What inspired you to work in Affordable Warmth and support local residents? “Growing up in a community where many people face financial challenges, I saw firsthand how essential support can be, particularly around home energy and keeping warm. Working in communities across the Tees Valley for the past four years has fuelled my passion for helping residents access the guidance and resources they need to stay safe and comfortable in their homes.”
What’s the one piece of Affordable Warmth advice everyone should know? “The most important piece of Affordable Warmth advice is that support is available. Many people feel they have to struggle in silence, but with rising energy costs and living expenses, it’s crucial to reach out when you’re struggling. That’s exactly what we’re here for – to provide guidance, support, and practical help.”
What’s a small change that can make a big difference to saving energy? “A simple change people can make is to turn appliances off at the plug rather than leaving them on standby. Even when switched off, many appliances still use a small amount of energy, so turning them off at the wall can save energy, lower bills, and benefit the environment.”
What do you enjoy most about helping people with their energy? “What I enjoy most about helping people is empowering them. With the right knowledge and guidance, people can make a much bigger positive impact on their energy use-and their lives-than they often realise.”
What’s one myth about energy bills or heating you’d love to bust? “Many people believe that keeping their heating on low all day saves energy. In reality, it’s usually cheaper and more efficient to heat your home only when you need it.”