New winter warmth funding available to prevent winter deaths
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Dudley Council has secured funding from the Department of Health to keep vulnerable borough residents warm and well in their homes during the cold snap.
The winter warmth fund is being managed by the council, working in partnership with other local organisations including NHS Dudley, Age UK, and Dudley Council for Voluntary Services (DCVS). It aims to keep people who may be struggling to keep warm at home, cosy and snug, as well as in touch with other people.
The fund provides a range of practical support, information, advice and assistance to help people keep their homes and themselves warm this winter.
Anyone concerned about keeping their home warm, paying their fuel bills or keeping well during the winter can ask for help from the fund.
All sorts of help can be provided from expert advice on managing fuel bills, energy efficiency and improving home insulation. Emergency heating measures are also available, such as portable heaters, blankets, flasks and warm clothing, even cold weather food parcels for people who may find it difficult to get out during wintry weather.
The fund will also arrange for local volunteers to make regular ‘befriending’ checks on people who may be at risk of becoming isolated during cold weather. They can also help out with shopping trips, collecting prescriptions, dog walking or helping with transport, if needed.
Councillor David Vickers, cabinet member for adult social care, said:
“Each year almost 250 people in Dudley borough are believed to die needlessly as a result of cold homes and freezing winter weather.
“The winter warmth fund is offering immediate help to anyone struggling to keep warm in their home this winter. I would encourage anyone concerned about keeping warm at home themselves, or worried about a relative, friend or neighbour to call the winter warmth support helpline.”
The winter warmth support helpline is 01384 815117.
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