Audio Transcript: Engagement – Has the community energy group engaged locally? The text below is the transcript from the "Engagement – Has the community energy group engaged locally?" video. An audio-described version of the video is also available. If you're thinking about planning or already delivering a community energy project, our step-by-step guide can help you. No matter what stage you're at in your journey, we've created a series of simple videos to support you at each stage. From forming your community group to connecting your project to the grid, before any project can take shape, the most powerful energy source you have is your community itself. Start by engaging early. Reach out, listen, and bring people together around a shared vision for local energy. Ask who's involved? What community structures already exist? You might already have a parish council, local climate action group, or a community interest company. If not, this is the time to start establishing one. A clear structure helps your group make decisions, manage funds, and represent the community fairly. Community engagement can mean different things to different groups. So, it's worth taking time to think about how broad and meaningful your engagement really is. Hold open meetings in familiar welcoming places, the village hall, school, or community center, and keep discussions open and inclusive. Explain your idea clearly. what it is, what it could achieve, and how it benefits local people. From lower bills to cleaner air and local control over energy, encourage questions and listen carefully. People are more likely to support what they've helped to shape. Use a mix of communication, local newsletters, posters, online groups, social media, and word of mouth to make sure everyone feels included. There are a range of ways community energy projects can be funded from grants and loans to community investment models such as share offers. Although this is often the first step, themes like finance, governance, and delivery will come up throughout the journey. And we'll guide you through those as you go. And remember, every successful project starts with conversations, trust, and a shared goal. Your community energy journey begins with your community. So start talking, start planning and take that first step together.