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Keep warm and well in Warwickshire

As another cold snap approaches, residents are being made aware of a new freephone helpline which has been set up in Warwickshire to help vulnerable and older people keep warm and well this winter.

The freephone number 0800 988 2881 has been established to offer residents information and support on affordable warmth.

Advisors are available from Monday to Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm to ensure people receive help and advice this winter including: 

How to keep you and your home warm
How to reduce fuel bills by improving the energy efficiency of your home
What to do if you’re worried about your fuel bills and you need debt advice and assistance
What to do if you heating system breaks down

Cllr Claire Watson, Chair of Warwickshire’s Affordable Warmth Working Group, said:  “We want people to know that help is at hand this winter. Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and one of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

She added: “We all have a role to play and we would urge anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbours to look out for them during the colder months.”

John Linnane, Director of Public Health for NHS Warwickshire and Warwickshire County Council, said: “Keeping warm can save lives, particularly for older people. However, we are aware that people are concerned about the cost of heating their homes. We hope this new phone line will give people the help they need to stay warm and keep costs down this winter.”

A special Warm and Well leaflet is also available which highlights a number of simple steps to follow:

• Keep internal doors closed to stop draughts
• Have at least one hot meal and hot drinks throughout the day
• Layer up - many layers of clothing are best
• Close curtains at dusk
• Ensure your heating is 21°C in your home
• Keep your heating on overnight
• Ensure your home is well insulated and your boiler is serviced
• Contact your energy supplier about social tariffs or priority register schemes.

The Warwickshire Warm and Well Campaign is the result of a special working group, set up to tackle the issue of fuel poverty and excess winter deaths in the county.

The group includes representatives from Warwickshire County Council, housing officers and affordable warmth advisors from the five District and Borough councils, Act on Energy (based in Wellesbourne), Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Warwickshire.

Residents can visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/keepwarm for more information and to download the Winter Warmth Leaflet.