Watch out for vulnerable when the big freeze comes

A BIG freeze could be on the way – so residents in Warrington are reminded to watch over the vulnerable.
With forecasts for some areas now predicting snow over the festive period, a warmth scheme available to vulnerable residents, is encouraging people to keep an eye on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours who are ill and may be affected by the cold.
The scheme works with a range of community organisations, charities and local authorities to assist vulnerable homeowners with the funding and installation or repair of crucial heating measures in the home. People may qualify for help if they have a long term illness, a low income with little or no savings and are unable to fully fund measures, such as a new boiler, themselves.
Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, said: “With winter upon us, and temperatures set to plummet in the weeks ahead, it’s important that people look out for the vulnerable in their communities. We’re calling on residents in Warrington to keep an eye on friends, family and neighbours, whose health could be made worse because of a broken down heating system.”
Since being founded in 2000, more than 84,000 vulnerable residents across England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for assistance with heating and insulation. Eligible residents do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.
Thescheme, together with one of its partners, the home improvement charity, Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT), was shortlisted in this year’s national Charity Times Award in recognition of its partnership approach to heating help.
For more information about the scheme or to find out about eligibility criteria visit www.healththroughwarmth.com