Warm Homes Healthy People Fund 2011/12

The money, which must be used by 31st March 2012, will be used to build on the good work already provided by the Council and local voluntary and community organisations to give practical help and advice to help more vulnerable people, in poorly heated homes, stay safe and warm during the winter months and prevent as many unnecessary winter deaths as possible.

At-risk groups include older people, the very young, young people, the disabled, people with pre-existing medical conditions as well as those whose health, housing or economic circumstances put them at greatest risk of harm from cold weather.

Funding secured from this application will enable the Council and its partners to build on established national and local campaigns and support for winter health with a more co-ordinated approach. The project’s activities  will include :
  
• a series of workshops and roadshows on advance warnings and advice to residents;  

• promoting, publicising and identifying vulnerable people who may be entitled to grants and other available practical and financial assistance to fix defective heating systems, poor insulation and other defects in vulnerable people’s homes that will keep them warm and improve energy efficiency;

• a network support, information signposting  and advice, hot meals/luncheon clubs  and a warm place to spend time;  

• Isolated and housebound individuals offered home visits through existing services to assess their needs;

• support and transport in times of extreme weather to ensure that people get to medical appointments, go shopping to ensure they have food in the house, to get children to youth clubs and weekend activities;

• Vouchers/funding that can be used in a variety of outlets that can contribute to the cost of food, clothing and/or heating;  

• energy audits and advice in Council owned housing stock and other sectors where applicable, to inform current and future plans to improve thermal efficiency in vulnerable households.

Cllr Don McGowan, Cabinet Member for Adult Services said “Some older people find it hard to meet the cost of heating bills, and do not know where to go to seek help to keep well in winter. This funding, in addition to the other initiatives already being undertaken by the Council, will continue help those in need.”

Cllr Ahmet Oykener, Cabinet Member for Housing said “A lot of our harder to heat homes are lived in by residents who are most vulnerable, be they young or old. This much needed funding will help improve their homes, with insulation and other advice, and give them access to grants which may assist them. It is very welcome news.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about what help may be available to keep their homes warm this winter should contact:

• Age UK Enfield  : 020 8375 4120
• Enfield Care & Repair Service : 020 8379 3712
• Enfield Homes tenants should contact : 0800 4080160