THE HEALTH and wellbeing of the Borough residents vulnerable to cold is high on the agenda this winter, as the Warm Homes Healthy People campaign returns to offer support which is targeted at the residents in most need of assistance.
There are set criteria to determine whether help can be provided to individuals through the scheme, including any of the following:
- being aged 75 or over
- being in receipt of disability benefits
- having a long term illness that is made worse by cold weather
- living with a child (under five) who has a long term illness made worse by the cold
The support on offer ranges from help with emergency heating, energy tariffs, debt and welfare advice to the installation of smoke alarms, a home handyman service and carbon monoxide detectors where needed.
Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, said: “Warm Homes Healthy People is a well-established scheme now that is known to provide vital support to people who are vulnerable to the effects of the winter months.
“Cold weather can cause serious health problems and, in extreme cases, death. It also can worsen existing health conditions, so it is vital that people get the help they need to keep warm.
“Many people have benefitted from the scheme over the past few years and I am very happy to announce that it is running again this winter.”
Also available is a ‘buddying’ scheme, where volunteers can keep in touch with residents during spells of cold weather to give any support that is needed.
Help with boiler servicing and repairs may also be offered to those in receipt of qualifying benefits.
To find out what support could be available through Warm Homes Healthy People – contact Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on 01642 528215 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/warmhomes
Lines are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Information is also being sent directly to homes in high fuel poverty areas.
For emergency help with heating outside of these hours, contact Cleveland Fire Brigade on their 24-hour helpline on 01429 874063.