£115k ‘warm homes’ boost for Blackburn with Darwen residents (From Lancashire Telegraph)

£115k ‘warm homes’ boost for Blackburn with Darwen residents

4:00pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Darwen By Neil Docking, Reporter

VULNERABLE residents and families in Blackburn with Darwen are to be given extra help to keep healthy, safe and warm this winter thanks to a £115,000 grant.

Blackburn with Darwen Council made a bid to the Department of Health for cash from the Government’s Warm Homes – Healthy People initiative.

The council has joined forces with the NHS, Age UK, the Care Network and CVS to share information and provide extra services on top of their normal activities with the cash.

The grant will help pay for emergency packs including blankets, hot water bottles, thermal gloves and low energy heaters for elderly people and low-income households with young children.

It will fund: Extra phone calls and home visits in cold weather.

Free room thermometers.

The extension of the council’s handyman service.

Emergency assistance for urgent repairs to heating.

Help with gritting and clearing snow.

Recruitment and training of 20 new volunteer ‘winter buddies’ who can check on elderly residents and advise on benefits and health and housing issues.

The Warm Homes – Healthy People initiative aims to reduce winter deaths, the number of cold and damp homes, falls and accidents and to alleviate fuel poverty.

Coun Tony Humphrys, executive member for housing, said the extra support will help the vulnerable, adding: “I have no doubt that we will save lives this winter.”

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive for adult social care, asked people to help the scheme. He said: “I would urge everyone to keep an eye on their neighbours especially elderly and vulnerable residents.”

Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, said the extra aid came at a time when health problems were likely to escalate.

The GP said: “This initiative shows the importance of public sector partners and the third sector working together to improve people's health and wellbeing.”