Warm Homes, Healthy People

The Warmer Worcestershire Network was awarded nearly £93,000 through the Warm Homes, Healthy People fund offered by Department of Health in December 2011.

The funding was offered to support delivery of the Cold Weather Plan which the Department of Health released the previous month.  The plan is a guidance document for health care providers and local authorities to provide alerts during cold weather.  The funding received by the Warmer Worcestershire Network will help to support vulnerable members of the community through a number of projects;

• Referrals for further energy advice and support.- residents who receive a support service in the home through the public or voluntary sector can be referred to Act on Energy for further advice on heating their home.  Individuals eligible for the countywide free insulation scheme can be referred directly to the relevant district council to improve the efficiency of their home. 

• Free phone advice line for all residents.- all Worcestershire residents can access free, impartial advice on energy use.  A number of home visits for energy checks are also available.  

• Temporary emergency heaters-  vulnerable residents can access temporary heaters through their home support service staff if their heating has failed.

• Benefit uptake scheme.- Age UK will aim to complete the benefit check process within 48 hours to improve the financial situation of residents who are not claiming the funds they are entitled to. The extra money could lift individuals out of fuel poverty.

• Extended telephone alert system- vulnerable residents will be able to sign up to receive a telephone call when temperatures drop below 2^oC to check whether they need further support during the cold weather.

For further information about Warm homes, healthy people or for energy advice contact Act on Energy 0800 988 2881

The Department of Health offer further advice on keeping warm and keeping  well. ( 840KB)