Ini Clinton is one of dozens of volunteers working across Scotland to deliver important energy saving advice as part of the team at Changeworks – Scotland’s leading environmental charity. She takes us through a day in the life of a dedicated volunteer supporting people to tackle energy issues.

Morning motivation

I chose to volunteer for Changeworks because I have seen friends and family struggle with high energy bills and cold homes, and I felt volunteering would enable me help people access energy-saving solutions and afford them live warm making a real difference in their daily lives as well as helping in energy-efficient homes. I want to contribute my time to make a positive difference in people’s lives while learning more about sustainable energy solutions.

Hands-on support

On this day, I volunteered to support at the free Scrapantics event for our Energy Saving for All project in Dundee. Taking place over two hours, it aimed to provide local and minority residents, particularly those facing financial challenges, with practical advice and support on energy-saving measures and affordable warmth.

Attendees had the opportunity to receive guidance on reducing energy consumption in the home, learn about funding options for energy efficiency improvements as well as access information on support services available to help with energy costs.

As a volunteer, I assisted in welcoming attendees, distributed informational materials, and helping them navigate the various resources available. I also assisted with filling out their forms. It was rewarding to see individuals gain confidence in managing their energy use and learn about the support they could access.

I was struck by the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere Scrapantics created. The space was filled with creativity, community spirit, and a shared sense of purpose around tackling fuel poverty and promoting sustainable living.

Real life impact

One of the most impactful parts for me is working directly with attendees — chatting with people about their personal energy challenges, and helping them understand simple, low-cost changes that could make a real difference.

For instance, demonstrating how to fit draught excluders, explaining the benefits of LED lighting, helping someone complete their forms sheet etc. I feel I was contributing to something genuinely useful.

What stood out most was seeing how participants were attentive to the workshop sessions by visuals on the projector without the hesitation of leaving, asking questions about how well they can conserve energy at home. It was really an interactive session. People didn’t just leave with advice; they left feeling inspired, supported, and better equipped to make change.

 Skills development

I came away from the event with a much deeper understanding of the realities of fuel poverty in Dundee, as well as the systemic barriers some households face when trying to make their homes more energy efficient. I also developed new skills in communication, facilitation, and collaborative problem-solving — all while being part of a passionate, supportive team.

Recently, I also organised another event – the Ballast Community Pantry. The idea was to bring the community together in a welcoming environment where they could access not only food essentials, but also information and resources to help reduce their energy bills. I saw it as an opportunity to link everyday needs, like putting meals on the table, with longer-term solutions around energy efficiency.

What really motivated me was seeing how small, practical steps — like swapping to energy-efficient lightbulbs, using slow cookers, understanding heating controls etc could make a real difference in people’s lives. Combining these tips with the pantry model, we were able to reach people in a way that felt natural.

It wasn’t just about saving energy; it was about strengthening the community and offering real, immediate help. I’m proud of what we achieved with the pantry and hope it continues to inspire other local projects that connect sustainability with everyday support.

Overall, it was one of the most fulfilling things I have been a part of.

Evening reflection

Volunteering on this project has solidified my commitment to community-based environmental work, and I’m proud to have been part of something that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.

My long-term plan is to use my volunteering experience to build both skills and confidence in a support role. I hope to continue volunteering while learning as much as possible, but ultimately I aim to use the experience and knowledge I gain to progress into a paid support position, where I can make a lasting difference in people’s lives on a more permanent basis.

 

Earlier this year, Ini was among a group of Changeworks volunteers to receive recognition from her peers at the Volunteer Edinburgh ceremony.

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