Yesterday, Monday 18th May 2026, we launched a powerful short documentary, ‘Left Behind‘, filmed by the The University of Salford, following Lou, one of our incredible Energy Champions at Rossendale Valley Energy, and the work she does to support people facing fuel poverty in our community.
The film tells an important story: without trusted local people like Lou helping residents navigate grants, advice and support, inclusion in the energy transition will remain out of reach for many — and energy injustice will continue to grow.
For decades, much of our social infrastructure has been hollowed out by austerity. Yet community organisations are slowly rebuilding it, often quietly and without recognition, at a time when it is needed more than ever. The cost of living crisis has left too many people choosing between heating and eating.
At Rossendale Valley Energy, we believe everyone deserves affordable energy and a warm, healthy home. We are here to support people like Alna and Dave to help make that a reality. This documentary is a reminder that the energy transition is not just about technology or infrastructure, it is about trust, dignity, relationships and community.
We have an energy advice team that can visit anyone in Rossendale and help to work out whether they are eligible for any of the Affordable Warmth or insulation grants, or just need some general energy advice to plan for the future. We work closely with other local organisations such as Homewise East Lancashire, who do lots of work through Rossendale Borough Council’s Affordable Warmth grant, Newground Together who can help residents with their finances and help them to budget, and Citizens Advice East Lancashire who can provide debt advice.
Many thanks to the clients that let us film in their homes, the Shine group at Kay Street Baptist Church in Rawtenstall who let us film at their Monday evening session and launch the video, and thank you to Maire and Liza at the University of Salford for making this documentary over the past year.
Here is a link to the film;
Left Behind – Rossendale Valley Energy documentary
