Two community groups have been awarded grants from the Lewisham Community Energy Fund

The fund – part of Lewisham Council's commitment to making the borough carbon-neutral by 2030 – provides grants of up to £15,000 to groups looking to generate renewable energy, increase uptake of renewable energy sources or to cut fuel consumption by adapting equipment already in use.

Sydenham Garden in Wynell Road uses its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people recovering from mental and physical ill-health. Their successful application to the fund will cover the installation of solar panels and a heat pump.

Steve Prowse, Business and Premises Manager, said: "The protection and preservation of the environment is at the heart of our organisation. Being able to generate our own electricity will allow us to reduce our overall energy consumption while achieving our aim of creating an environmentally sustainable centre for our community activities."

A second grant was awarded to Evelyn Parents Forum which runs Deptford Park Play Club. Started in 2008 by local parents and carers, it now supports more than 650 families all-year round.

Moira Kerrane, the forum's Chair, said: "We don't get core funding for utilities or staffing costs so the Community Energy Fund is going to assist in finding a solution to reducing our carbon footprint and reducing our energy bills which will in turn increase our green legacy and the sustainability of this important community family resource."

Community groups in Lewisham wanting to cut their energy bills, or help others to, still have time to apply for funding through the Lewisham Community Energy Fund.

Find more information about the Lewisham Community Energy Fund.