Help is on hand if you're struggling to stay warm and healthy in Bath and North East Somerset this winter. The Council's Housing Services Department have launched their Winter Warmth Club to provide you advice and practical support on how to stay warm and well despite the cold weather.
The project is being managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and will be delivered in partnership with West of England Care and Repair, British Red Cross, Age UK and Curo, the social landlord which used to be called Somer, one of the area's major social housing providers.
Phillip Morris, Head of Household Energy Services at CSE explains: "We know that there will be people out there who will struggle to stay warm this winter and we are keen that they hear about the Winter Warmth Club, so that they can take advantage of the advice and support available. The really great thing about this project is that because of all the partners involved, we can give a whole range of support to the most vulnerable people – from someone simply coming to your home and taking the time to talk through your options to stay warmer, right up to support to get funding for improvements, advice on benefits and even free temporary heating replacement if your heating breaks down. We could even arrange a visit from the Fire Service to advise you on fire hazards and fit free smoke alarms."
Councillor David Martin, B&NES Council's Energy Champion, welcomed the launch of the Winter Warmth Club: "Bringing together all the varied help available to residents in severe winter weather and co-ordinating referrals to that help, should make a valuable and much needed contribution to better health and well-being through warmer and healthier homes for our residents. Please spread the word."
Readers can access the benefits of our Winter Warmth Club by contacting the Home Energy Team, free, on 0800 082 2234. Independent energy experts will chat through your options and find the best solutions for you.
What help could you get?
West of England Care and Repair, the Red Cross, Age UK, Curo and the Centre for Sustainable Energy have all teamed up to offer their services. You could benefit from:
• Discounted heating repairs and improvements - using trusted contractors to repair heating and hot water systems
• Supplying oil-filled radiators if heating can't be reinstated quickly
• A referral to get funding for energy efficiency improvements like loft insulation
• Winter safety checks
• Draught proofing – doors, windows, chimneys, loft hatches, etc.
• Loft clearance in preparation for insulation
• Path clearance
• Hot water tank or pipe lagging
• A personal visit from Red Cross staff or volunteers
• Advice on benefits, grants and services that can help
• Advice on fire hazards from Avon Fire and Rescue
• A free Healthy Homes pack, containing essentials for winter weather and power cuts.
So, don't suffer this winter. If you're finding it difficult or too expensive to keep your house warm, contact the Winter Warmth Club on: 0800 082 2234.
The Winter Warmth Project is funded by the Department of Health and delivered by the Centre for Sustainable Energy and B&NES Council, in partnership with the Red Cross, Age UK, CURO and West of England Care and Repair.
The benefits above are available to households in Bath and North East Somerset. More information is available online at: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/wwc">www.bathnes.gov.uk/wwc