PRACTICAL support to help vulnerable residents stay warm and well throughout the winter months is available from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
The Council’s Warm Homes Healthy People scheme is aimed at people who are over 75, or are in receipt of disability benefits, or have a long term condition made worse by the cold or have a child under five at home with a long term condition that is made worse by the cold.
The help available includes emergency heating, energy advice and support to secure the best value for money tariff, a home handy-person service, energy debt advice, welfare benefits advice and in some cases, when in receipt of qualifying benefits, boiler servicing and repairs.
Last year 452 households benefitted from Warm Homes Healthy People. The scheme also helped residents to write off more than £7,000 of energy debt through successful negotiations with energy companies and support from charitable trusts.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, Councillor Jim Beall, said: “Existing health conditions can worsen in cold weather, leading to serious ill health and even premature death. That’s why it’s vitally important to stay warm at home during the colder months.”
“The range of support available through Warm Homes Healthy People can make a big difference to the lives of our most vulnerable residents. If you or someone you know meet the criteria then please get in touch to find out how we can help.”
To find out what support could be available through Warm Homes Healthy People visitwww.stockton.gov.uk/warmhomes or call 01642 528215 between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If you need help with emergency heating outside these hours contact Cleveland Fire Brigade on their 24 hour helpline 01429 874063.