A community youth charity in Bromley which provides homework and music clubs, guidance sessions and other activities during the school holidays is saving energy and money with a new efficient boiler, thanks to a grant from the E.ON Energy Action Fund.

The previous boiler at charity JusB’s main premises, base for all but one of its clubs, was over 18 years old, inefficient and unreliable.

In addition to the obvious need for a functioning boiler to keep the building warm and comfortable for users, activities including cookery and craft workshops depend on hot water for washing up.

The £2,000 donation from E.ON was used to buy an A-rated combination boiler. It has now been installed and staff, volunteers and visitors to the site on Bromley’s College Road are enjoying the benefits of reliable heat, while the charity expects to start saving money on its energy bill.

Suzanne Doxey, Community Relations Manager for E.ON, said: “Through our Energy Action Fund we’ve given cash to projects undertaken by community groups and charities which either result in a reduction in the amount of energy being used, as is here in Bromley, or energy being generated from a renewable source.

“The £2,000 given to JusB means its basic need for reliable heat and hot water has now been met, and should also help to cut down on wasted energy, ensuring it’s only using, and paying for, the energy that it really needs.”

Ned McWhirter, Project Manager at JusB, said: “As a charity, we’re always looking to reduce our overheads so that more of our funds go to those who need them. We help more than 320 young people each year in our College Road building, including those that are hard to reach and socially disadvantaged. Our projects help young people to mix with staff, volunteers and each other, encourage co-operative working, talking through problems and setting goals for themselves.

“Our old boiler was on borrowed time, and ultimately, having no boiler could have meant us having to close our doors. We’re the only community youth charity in north Bromley and, thanks to the E.ON Energy Action Fund and our new boiler, we can continue to support local young people to avoid anti-social behaviour and crime and discover new talents and skills.”

Since 2013, the E.ON Energy Action Fund has given more than £108,000 to 65 community groups and charities in England, Scotland and Wales.

Based on information supplied by Jane Branscombe.