Celebrating team impact: How AWEE spoke up for White Ribbon
At Shropshire Council, we’re proud to spotlight how our teams are making a real difference supporting the White Ribbon campaign—and the Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency (AWEE) team is leading the way.
AWEE team: Rob Clayton, Merrick Rose and Ollie Rothwell.
The AWEE team have embraced the White Ribbon campaign and after learning more about White Ribbon with Shropshire Council’s Domestic Abuse Prevention Team, they have gone on to share this information with their contractors.
Inspired by AWEE’s leadership, two contractors, Heat Charge Evolution and CT Eco Plus have both donated their time and skilled labour to help build furniture and decorate safe, secure accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse. These homes offer a vital stepping stone for individuals rebuilding their lives, and the support from these contractors enabled quicker, safer move-ins.
Oliver Rothwell, AWEE Manager, played a pivotal role—championing the campaign, encouraging contractor involvement, and becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador. Oliver was even nominated by our White Ribbon Accreditation lead for a White Ribbon UK Spotlight award and work was recognised by White Ribbon UK. Oliver has also supported the White Ribbon stand at full council meetings and continues to support the White Ribbon Steering group work.
Oliver said:
“Working hand-in-hand with the Domestic Abuse Prevention Team has been transformative. This joint effort underscores the importance of the standing up against gender-based violence and the awareness it has generated within our own team is now actively informing and strengthening our wider approach to vulnerability across all our work”
Meanwhile, Rob Clayton from AWEE team became a Sanctuary Scheme Assessor, helping survivors remain safely in their homes by providing safety advice and tailored security measures where needed. His respectful and reassuring approach has been praised by clients, with one survivor sharing: “Rob was lovely—very knowledgeable and helped me feel reassured that my place was secure.” More information on the work of the AWEE team can be found via www.shropshire.gov.uk/awee
Cllr James Owen, portfolio holder for housing and leisure, said:
“We’re proud of our Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency team for leading the way in raising awareness of the White Ribbon campaign. A heartfelt thank you to Heat Charge Evolution and CT Eco Plus for generously donating their time and expertise—your contribution highlights how partnership and volunteer working can deliver real, positive change for Shropshire and its residents.”
Rachel Cole, CT ECO Plus Commercial Director said:
We are proud supporters of White Ribbon UK. As an accredited organisation, we are dedicated to preventing violence by taking steps to promote change, accountability and allyship. Our ambassadors and champions are aligned with White Ribbons collaborative approach to raise awareness and promote positive behaviours in our community. It was our pleasure to support, with donated labour, the excellent work that Shropshire councils Domestic Abuse Team are doing to support domestic abuse survivors in Shropshire.
Andrew Paradise, Operations Director of Heat Charge Evolution said:
At Heat Charge Evolution we’re committed to supporting safe, warm and energy-efficient homes. Working alongside Shropshire’s affordable warmth team and contributing to the White Ribbon initiative is a real privilege and we’re proud to help make a positive difference in the SHAP properties.
For more information on how your team can get involved, please get in touch with Charlotte at charlotte.howell@shropshire.gov.uk .
