Information leaflets to help prevent winter deaths
06/11/2006
"Winter deaths" in the UK are amongst the highest in Europe, and to help reduce the risk of illness or injury, Counsel and Care have just published an advice and information factsheet for older people about staying warm and safe over the winter months.
It covers:
* Efficiently heating a home;
* Government grants such as Winter Fuel Payments, Warm Front Grants, Cold Weather Payments and how to apply for them;
* Practical steps which can be taken now to prepare for the winter months.
Stephen Burke, Chief Executive of Counsel and Care, says: “This factsheet will help people be aware that they can take action now to ensure they remain safe and well.
"We also want to make sure that all older people who are eligible claim their Winter Fuel Payment – an important addition to their income which can take the worry out of heating a home during the winter months.
“It is a scandal in 21st century Britain that so many older people die as a result of the cold weather – in a civilised society this should not occur. Counsel and Care aims to help older people reduce these risks for themselves.”
Within the factsheet, the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) is listed as one of the key places where people can get advice on paying their fuel bills and ensuring that they get value for money from their fuel providers.
Duncan Sedgwick, Chief Executive of the Energy Retail Association which runs the Home Heat Helpline, comments, “We welcome this proactive initiative by Counsel and Care. Their support for the Home Heat Helpline has helped us reach vulnerable people across the country and I hope others will use this free service to access grants, insulation offers and free advice on saving money by saving energy."
As well as providing information and advice through its advice service, Counsel and Care also operates a grants scheme which can be accessed by older people who have a limited income. Items which would help during cold weather, such as heaters, extra bedding, double glazing, or essential housing repairs can be obtained using these grants.
Copies of Counsel and Care’s winter factsheet for older people ‘Preparing for Winter’ can be downloaded from the website at the address below, or ordered by calling 020 7241 8522, leaving your name and address details.