We led the engagement, communications and supported with the programme design for the series.

This included:

• organising and coordinating the full event series

• developing the communications and outreach strategy

• creating a strong, cohesive visual identity

• bringing together speakers, projects and local expertise

• co-designing the in-person gathering in Bridport

• capturing insights and learning throughout

This created a container for a county-wide conversation to happen.

Together, we delivered:

• a month-long public engagement programme

• 4 themed webinars exploring retrofit from multiple angles

• an in-person community event in Bridport

• a shared narrative connecting retrofit to community, economy and place

• a coordinated outreach campaign across partner networks

The programme explored:

• retrofit basics and practical pathways

• skills and workforce development

• local materials and supply chains

• collective and community-led retrofit models

The series reached a significant and diverse audience across Dorset:

• 17,000+ people reached through outreach and communications 

• 700+ link clicks to learn more about the programme 

• 209 registrations and 148 attendees across events 

• strong engagement through community and partner networks

Importantly, this wasn’t just reach, it was meaningful participation from people already thinking about retrofit, and those wanting to start.

Through registration data and conversations, a clear picture emerged:

• the majority of people have some knowledge of retrofit but lack confidence

• over half are planning, doing, or wanting to start retrofit

• only 1.4% felt there is adequate support available locally 

• nearly half of participants don’t know what support exists at all

This points to a key gap: the will is there, but the infrastructure isn’t

This project helped to:

• bring together a fragmented landscape of retrofit activity

• connect residents, practitioners and organisations

• surface real demand for retrofit support across Dorset

• test how community engagement can shape technical solutions

• build momentum around a shared vision for a Retrofit One-Stop Shop

It also created a strong evidence base to support future funding and development.

Retrofitting homes is often framed as a technical or individual challenge.

This project showed something different:

retrofit can be a community-led process that strengthens local economies, skills and relationships.

But for that to happen, people need:

• clear pathways

• trusted local support

• coordinated infrastructure

• and spaces to learn and act together

This work helped move retrofit from:

“something individuals struggle through alone”

to

“something communities can organise around together”

• A clear case for a Dorset Retrofit One-Stop Shop which is being explored further by Dorset Community Energy

• Increased awareness and confidence around retrofit

• New connections between organisations and communities

• A tested model for community-led engagement around technical challenges

• Insight that continues to shape next steps and funding bids