Help is available for vulnerable residents in Rochdale

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Help is on hand for residents in Rochdale who have a cold related illness and need help with heating and insulation measures.

Foundations, the national body for home improvement agencies (HIAs) and handyperson services, has partnered with npower’s Health Through Warmth scheme to help residents whose health is made worse by cold living conditions due to inadequate heating and insulation.

Illnesses that can be adversely affected by cold living conditions include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, terminal illness, mental health problems and mobility difficulties.

Homeowners who have a cold related illness and no heating or a broken boiler, gas fire or other heating appliance in need of repair may be eligible for funding to install, fix or replace heating equipment. Financial help is also available for cavity wall, loft insulation and draughtproofing for existing doors and windows.

To qualify for help, homeowners must have a cold-related illness, a low household income with little or no savings and be unable to pay for the work themselves.

Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, said: “Living in a cold home can increase the risk of worsening health at any time of year.

“Since the npower Health Through Warmth scheme was set up 12 years ago, we have helped thousands of people in England and Wales. By working with Foundations we are now able to bring the benefits of Health Through Warmth to residents in Rochdale.”

Lauren Sadler, communications and policy manager at Foundations, adds: “HIAs and handypersons services are here to help vulnerable people who are older, disabled or on a low income live independently in their homes.

“We would encourage anyone who has a cold-related illness which they believe is made worse by cold conditions in their home to contact Foundations to see if they are eligible for help. If they do qualify then their local HIA will provide support and apply for funds on their behalf.”

Funding towards heating and insulation may be available from npower’s Health Through Warmth Hardship Fund, which is administered by the Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT). The Fund helps HIAs and handyperson services finance heating and insulation measures when their clients can’t afford to fully fund the work themselves or are not eligible for government support.

Since 2000, more than 79,000 vulnerable residents in England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for help with heating and insulation. More than £67million has been levered to help fund the work required, which includes £1.7million from charitable organisations. In addition, £8.9 million has been contributed from the unique npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

For more information please phone Foundations 0845 864 5205 or email mikel@foundations.uk.com