By Chloé Gronow

Advice on keeping warm while saving money was the main focus of an energy café held at Hollingdean Community Centre on Thompson Road.

The afternoon drop-in event on Saturday, February 15, gave residents the opportunity to meet energy specialists.

Together they discussed alternative ways of becoming energy efficient and reducing household bills.

Ollie Pendered, director of the Your Warm Home project, said: “We focus on protecting vulnerable households. 

"Fifteen percent of people in Brighton choose to eat instead of heat.”

He spent the afternoon handing out free energy bags that contained lots of simple household products, proven to save money.

“The LED nightlights offer an 80% energy saving and are excellent for the elderly or families with young kids. They cost just 2p a night to run,” he said.

Experts on solar panels, insulation, renewable energy solutions and greener alternatives were all in attendance.

Tim Grima, director of Downs Energy, who specialises in home insulation, said: “Lots of houses in this area suffer fuel poverty and something needs to be done.

"It’s just about capturing people’s imagination and finding solutions.”

He added: “We need to make homes more healthy, which will help decrease winter deaths.”

Electric bikes were popular with visitors who had the opportunity to trial ride them around Hollingdean.

Steve Kelly of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Everyone has really enjoyed using them, even going up hills has been great.”

The bikes are fitted with motors that kick in to help riders on their cycle.

Batteries can last for 60 miles and can be recharged for as little as 5p, making them cost effective and eco-friendly.

Community development worker, Elizabeth Lee explained that although they had hoped for a better turn out, the afternoon was a success.

“People who came really valued the good information available and the bikes were out all the time,” she said.

The energy café was set up as part of Community Matters, in collaboration with Brighton and Hove Community Voluntary Sector Groups.

It will run until March 31.

To apply to take part email info@communitiesmatter.org.uk or call Ollie Pendered at Communities Matter on 07870 689978.