Heating help for vulnerable people

With temperatures dropping below average in recent weeks, warmth specialists in Rochdale are experiencing a busy September as people switch their heating back on for the first time since the start of the summer to find it in need of repair.

Last autumn, npower Health Through Warmth took more than 2,000 referrals across England and Wales for vulnerable people needing help with their heating and is expecting a similar response this year, after the scorching summer has seen heating switched off for several months.

npower Health Through Warmth works with organisations in Rochdale to repair or replace broken heating systems for vulnerable people. The scheme helps people with cold related illnesses who would be particularly affected if they were without heating as the colder months draw in.

Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, comments: “September is often a busy time for the Health Through Warmth team as many people turn their heating back on after the summer months to find it in need of repair and are worried they won’t be able to keep warm during the winter.

“As temperatures start to drop, we are keen to make people in Rochdale aware that help could be available if they find themselves without heating and encourage anyone who thinks that they, or someone they know, may be eligible to get in touch.”

npower Health Through Warmth offers help with the funding and installation of heating and insulation measures for vulnerable people. The scheme is available to homeowners who have a cold-related illness, a low income with little or no savings and who are unable to fully fund measures, such as a new boiler or heating system. You do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.

Since the scheme was founded in 2000, more than 80,000 vulnerable residents in England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for help with heating and insulation. More than £64.9million has been levered to fund the work required, which includes £1.7million from charitable organisations. In addition, £8.6million has been contributed from the npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

For more information about npower Health Through Warmth’s eligibility criteria, or to apply for help, please visit www.healththroughwarmth.com.