Over £1.8 billion worth of energy is wasted by leaving appliances on standby at work and home in the UK. The Big Switch Off campaign aims to address this and encourage local organisations and households to reduce their energy use and costs. The residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland could potentially save over £13million by switching off appliances on standby!

To do their bit residents, schools, colleges and universities, community and faith groups are invited to get involved in various competitions. There are competitions to save energy, design a short-film, design a certificates with some tempting prizes for everyone – for further information please visit www.leics.gov.uk/bsocompetitions

To make a difference at your home, school or work, the Big Switch Off partnership will provide free resources from the website. During the Big Switch Off week, we will release daily energy saving tips on different themes. We are also planning to organise some outreach events to spread the message of the campaign, please keep your eyes on the website for further details. If you want to become a local volunteer for the campaign, please register at www.leics.gov.uk/bsovolunteers and we will provide you free resources.

You can show your support to the campaign to save money, energy and the environment by committing to the on-line pledge – www.leics.gov.uk/bsopledge « Less

The grant programme aims to support a wide range of community groups and can help with expenses such as venue hire, equipment purchase, marketing and promotion, project start-up, capital expenditures and more. Priority is given to schemes that develop new activities within your community.

Applications for BDC grants are accepted quarterly and the next deadline is 28 August. For more information, or to request an application packet, please contact the Community Support Organiser at VABD on 0116 2727669 or email community@vabd.org.uk « Less