About FORUM 21

Forum 21 was set up in 1998. We are a voluntary group dedicated to raising awareness of environmental issues and finding solutions in West Somerset. Our objective is to initiate community-based projects that will enable us to live within our environmental limits while developing a good quality of life for everyone. Our projects are set up and run by teams of people who have a wide range of skills and interests. The issues that we are concerned about include climate change, improving housing, fuel poverty, pollution and loss of habitats, waste reduction and sustainable transport. We have been responsible for a number of initiatives such as the Minehead farmers market, Steam Coast Trail, which is a multi-user path between Minehead and Williton, Community Woodland project and Community Climate change strategy. Our new project is to install electric vehicle charge points throughout West Somerset as one of the solutions to the climate crisis.

Our energy team focuses on home energy, fuel poverty and renewable power, promoting ways to reduce our consumption and use green suppliers. Our volunteers help people understand and manage their bills, switch suppliers, improve their homes and heating systems. We run switching sessions where people can find a better supplier and talk about home improvements, and we also give phone advise and visit people at home. We offer surviving winter grants to eligible people over 50 who find it hard to keep their homes warm in winter. This project uses funds raised by Somerset Community Foundation from people who do not need their winter fuel allowance. And the community woodland project supplies low cost wood for anyone who can use wood fuel.