Ribble Valley Borough Council launch £108k scheme to keep vulnerable residents warm

1:51pm Friday 27th January 2012

By Catherine Pye

VULNERABLE residents in Ribble Valley are being invited to get cosy thanks to a new scheme offering free warm home packs, and energy efficiency advice.

The Warm Homes Healthy People scheme has been launched by Ribble Valley Borough Council, with £108,000 from the Department of Health.

Packs available to the elderly, and low-income households with young children, include free electric blankets, fleece shawls, hats and gloves, flasks and insulated cups, nightlights, slippers vouchers, draft-proofing, and radiator reflectors.

Once applied for, the packs will be delivered to households by trained volunteers, along with advice about energy efficiency measures for the home, including free loft and cavity wall insulation.

Utility bills advice sessions will take place to ensure vulnerable households are receiving the best tariffs, and a thermal imaging camera will be used to demonstrate heat loss from homes.

Ribble Valley Mayor Simon Hore, who launched the scheme, said: “Winter can be a tough time for the elderly, and Warm Homes Healthy People will see a range of measures made available to the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

“We are delighted to be taking the lead in this project and would like to thank the Department of Health for its support.”

Kath Mitchell, services co-ordinator for Lancashire Age UK, said: “Many elderly people struggle to keep their home warm enough to combat the cold weather and then pay their heating bill.

“Age UK’s Winter Warmth campaign highlights the plight of many older people over the winter and aims to tackle health, heating, and loneliness issues, during the cold, dark months.

“We therefore welcome Warm Homes Healthy People and are delighted to support the project.”

The Department of Health launched the £20million scheme late last year to help 10,000 households across the UK.

More than £850million is spent by the NHS each year as a result of the impact of cold housing on people's health.

In 2009/10, the cost of emergency admissions due to falls on snow and ice was estimated at £42million. In England alone, there is a 20per cent increase in deaths during the winter.

For further information on how to receive a pack, or to book a home visit, contact Help Direct on 0303 3331111.