ASSERT (Large-scale Multiactor Training and Mentorship Programme to Assist People with Physical Impairments in Energy Poverty) is a European project funded under the LIFE programme. It aims to combat energy poverty among disabled people by providing training, mentorship, and policy guidance to intermediaries, local authorities, and affected individuals.
Pilot countries invoved: ASSERT operates in five pilot countries: Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Background
Energy poverty is a major social issue affecting millions of Europeans, particularly disabled people, who are disproportionately affected due to higher energy needs and lower income. Despite this, their specific challenges remain largely unaddressed in energy policies. ASSERT tackles this gap by equipping key actors with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure an inclusive energy transition.
The role of ENIL
ENIL ensures that the voices of disabled people are central in ASSERT. Its contributions include:
- Creating accessible training and mentorship materials tailored for disabled people.
- Mobilizing local disabled individuals and organizations in project activities.
- Coordinating national partners in the pilot countries and engaging relevant stakeholders.
- Overseeing translation and accessibility of all project resources.
- Disseminating project results at the European level to maximize impact.
Which other organizations take part in the project?
ASSERT is a collaborative initiative involving several European partners, including:
- AISFOR (Coordinator, Italy)
- ENERCOOP (France)
- Asociación Ecoserveis (Spain)
- Cyprus Energy Agency (Cyprus)
- National Technical University of Athens (Greece)
- Climate Alliance (Germany)
- Citizen Crossroads (Greece)
- Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy (IEECP) (Netherlands)
- Accademia Europea di Bolzano (EURAC) (Italy)
What is the purpose of the ASSERT project?
The primary goal of ASSERT is to build an inclusive and sustainable framework for addressing energy poverty among disabled people. This will be achieved by:
- Training local policymakers on integrating disability considerations into energy policies.
- Equipping social workers, NGOs, and health professionals with the knowledge to support energy-poor disabled people.
- Developing accessible resources to help disabled individuals manage their energy needs more effectively.
- Piloting mentorship programs to test and refine the training approach.
How will ASSERT achieve its goal?
- Training and Capacity Building: Developing targeted training programs for municipalities, social service providers, and energy-poor disabled people.
- Mentorship Programme: Supporting intermediaries and policymakers in applying the training through hands-on guidance and workshops.
- Research and Policy Development: Collecting data to inform policy recommendations and improve energy support mechanisms.
- Dissemination and Replication: Ensuring project results reach policymakers, NGOs, and disabled communities across Europe.
Call for Mentorship Programme
ASSERT is currently accepting applications for its mentorship programme, which will support 25 pairs of municipalities and intermediaries across five pilot countries (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain). Participants will receive training, guidance, and tailored support to help them address energy poverty effectively.
The call is open from February 3 to March 16.
More details can be found on the following website: https://assert.aisforacademy.eu.