In 2022 and 2023 Begin By Starting has been sourcing bulk supplies of electric fleece blankets for distribution to local organisations providing on-the-ground support for those struggling to heat their homes.

The blankets are being supplied at “cost plus £1” – so it is very much not designed as a money-making exercise.

The main delivery partner is South Dartmoor Community Energy who provide workshops/events and home visits within the South Hams. Many of these blankets have been purchased by South Hams District Council, and Begin By Starting was also successful in a grant application with SHDC to cover the cost of more of the blankets.

This is an easy, and tangible way to help local people, especially those who would otherwise not be able to afford any warmth. To run a blanket for 10 hours would only cost around 34p.

If you would like to express an interest in some blankets please do drop us an email to hello@beginbystarting.co.uk – or you can talk with South Dartmoor Community Energy about delivering an event local to you.

2023, an update to progress:

A grant application to the South Hams District Council Winter Wellbeing Fund was successful (thank you SHDC) which funded 94 blankets – these mainly went to South Dartmoor Community Energy, Live West, and few went to Totnes Climate Hub.

South Hams and West Devon Borough Councils both also acted fast and purchased blankets separately for distribution by partner organisations.

Blankets have gone to South Dartmoor, Tamar, and Exeter Community Energy, as well as some local Councils.

So far over 500 blankets have been distributed. An effective project, delivered at a time of especial need, for a low cost.