How did a group of neighbours with a shared concern about climate change become a successful community energy cooperative, producing solar energy in Lewisham and Greenwich, reducing energy bills for local primary schools, reducing CO2 outputs, tackling fuel poverty in the area and improving the energy efficiency of hundreds of households? Camilla Berens (pictured) of South East London Community Energy (SELCE) tells us in the very first edition of the Activist Awakenings Podcast. 
You can find out more about SELCE here: selce.org.uk

001 South East London Community Energy

With NHS services under threat across the UK, this episode takes a look at a campaign that overturned the government’s plans to close a vital London hospital, as well as the insights that experience can offer other activists. 
I spoke to Dr Tony O'Sullivan about the secrets of the "Save Lewisham Hospital" campaign's successes. 
Dr O’Sullivan covers: 
how many different sectors of the local community contributed their skills, ideas and energy to the campaign;
how the group secured national media coverage;
how they raised funds to challenge the government in the High Court; 
how the campaign has evolved to protect vital services in Lewisham and other areas of the country.

For further information and resources:
http://savelewishamhospital.com/
https://www.facebook.com/savelewishamhospitalnhs/
https://keepournhspublic.com/
https://www.healthcampaignstogether.com/

002 Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign

This podcast celebrates those who get up and create change, starting in their own neighbourhoods. In each episode, an activist shares their experience, the impact they have made, and tips and ideas to inspire and empower listeners to get out there and join them.

Activist Awakenings Podcast

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