Older people and those living in vulnerable situations across Lancashire are being given extra support to stay warm and well during the winter months thanks to funding from the Cadent Foundation and community action charity, Groundwork.
Around 2,500 winter warmer packs for those most in need have been produced as part of a three-year strategic partnership between the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork.
The packs will be distributed via local food banks and community hubs in towns and cities across the UK, including Lancashire, with each pack containing a range of items to help people keep warm during winter, such as socks, gloves, hat, scarf, hot water bottle, blanket and a thermal flask mug.
Office for National Statistics figures revealed there were an estimated 28,300 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2019/20, 19.6 per cent higher than the previous year.
Respiratory diseases accounted for almost 40 per cent of all excess winter deaths and according to fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, 8,500 were due to cold homes, a statistic that is likely to increase this year.
Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme provides energy saving advice that helps people to keep warm, well, and save money by reducing energy bills.
Director of the Cadent Foundation, Julia Dwyer said: “This is the second year we have funded the Winter Warmer Packs and we’re delighted to once again work alongside Groundwork to provide practical support to those who need it most, especially after the great feedback we received last year.
"Many vulnerable households are facing even bleaker challenges as we head into winter with the ongoing fuel crisis and rising energy costs, it’s reassuring to know these packs will help make a real difference at such a difficult time.
“This is just another stage in the wider partnership between the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork, which has seen the charity’s Green Doctor programme rolled out in numerous locations across the UK in 2021.”
The Cadent Foundation is funded by local gas network Cadent and has been established to support projects that help people living in vulnerable situations and disadvantaged communities.
More information can be found at www.cadentfoundation.com
For more information on Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme, together with tips and advice on keeping your home warm this winter, visit www.groundwork.org.uk
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