With winter on the way people encouraged to check in on loved ones

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As the clocks go back and the dark nights draw in this month, a warmth scheme is encouraging people in Rochdale to take time to check in on loved ones who might be concerned about winter.

According to npower Health Through Warmth, which helps vulnerable people install or repair heating systems at home, now is the time to ensure that friends, family or neighbours’ homes are prepared for the colder months.

Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, explains: “Winter can be a worrying time for vulnerable people, many of whom can become housebound if the season brings unexpected treacherous weather.

“It is therefore a good time, before snow or icy conditions make visiting difficult, to help friends and family check their heating is in good working order.”

npower Health Through Warmth works with local organisations to repair and install heating and insulation for vulnerable people. It helps people in Rochdale via referrals from friends and family, and last October took more than 900 referrals across England and Wales.

Elaine Midwinter continues: “If you have an elderly neighbour or a family member with a long-term illness, they may be anxious about staying warm during the winter months ahead. Helping them prepare now will provide peace of mind and ensure that they are warm and well at home when the colder weather sets in.”

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 80,800 vulnerable residents in England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for aid with heating and insulation. More than £65million has been levered to help fund the work required, which includes £1.8million from charitable organisations. In addition, over £8.6million has been contributed from the npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

If you think that someone you know may be eligible, visit www.healththroughwarmth.com for more information about npower Health Through Warmth’s eligibility criteria or to apply for help.