Keeping warm
Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is simply by staying warm.
Cold weather can lead to serious health problems such as heart
attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. This is of
concern if you're vulnerable to cold-related illnesses, like being
over 60 or having a long term health condition or disability.
A good place to start for advice and information about keeping
warm is the Care Network Hub.
Care Network have produced a guide to help you maintain
good health during the colder winter months. If you would like
to order a free copy for yourself or a loved one please call Care
Network on 01254 507255.
There are lots of useful tips and advice about keeping warm on
the NHS website
The Department of Health has produced
a 'Keep warm, keep well' booklet which you can download here
Age UK run a 'Spread the warmth' campaign to help
people stay warm over winter. More information is
available on Age UK's website.
You can also download Age UK's 'Winter wrapped up' guide to
keeping well and staying warm over winter by clicking here
Home maintenance
Keeping your home well maintained will help to keep your house
warm. See the Home
maintenance page to find out what home maintenance services are
available in Blackburn with Darwen.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides up to £140 discount
on your electricity bills in winter 20120/21. Click here to find out
more.
Help with heating costs
Many people will be eligible for help with extra heating costs.
Winter Fuel Payments are made every winter to
people over 60, regardless of the temperature. If you are not
getting a Winter Fuel Payment, telephone 0800 731 0160. For
more information on Winter Fuel Payments click here.
If you are in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support,
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and
Support Allowance or Universal Credit you may be able to get
Cold Weather Payments when the weather is
particularly cold for seven days or more. For more
information on Cold Weather Payments click here.
Many people are not claiming all the benefits they are entitled
to. Contact the free benefits advice line on 0800 882 200 to find
out if you are entitled to more than you are currently getting.
Cosy Homes in Lancashire
Cosy Homes in Lancashire provides you with access to cost
effective ways of keeping your home warm whether you own or
privately rent. Contact Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) on 03306
061 488 (local rates apply) 9am to 5pm to find out more.
Covid support grants 2021
There is also support still available through the Covid Local
Support Grant. This is a grant to support families and children and
other vulnerable adults through the winter and spring period to
access food, support with utility bills and other
essentials.
The programme is primarily for families with children under
19 as of who may not meet the threshold for benefits
but have been affected directly by the pandemic through job
losses, furlough, taking time off work unpaid to care for children
who are isolating etc, and for those who are eligible for free
school meals, healthy start vouchers, young people not in education
or training.
The Council is working with Care Network, BwD Healthy
Living, Jubilee Tower Credit Union, United Utilities and Rummage
Rescuers to provide support with utility bills and essential items
including broken washers, cookers, fridges and freezers, for boiler
servicing and repairs.
People can self-refer by telephoning the Help Hub on
(01254) 588111 between 9am - 5pm or anytime via the Help Hub
webpage.
Flu jabs
If you are aged over 65, have a
long-term medical condition, are pregnant or are a carer, you are
advised to have a flu jab. Speak to your GP about this.
Be a good neighbour
If you have neighbours who will find it especially difficult in
snow and cold, because of age or disability, please offer them help
and keep an eye out for them.
Age UK's Advice and Information Service
Age UK's Advice and Information Service can give you
general advice about how to keep warm (contact details at the
bottom of this page).
Utility suppliers' Priority Service Register for
vulnerable people
Utility companies offer a Priority Services Register for
customers that require extra support and additional services
(vulnerable people).
You can sign up to this service register if you are:
- a pensioner
- disabled or chronically sick
- have a hearing or visual impairment
When on the register you can get the following support:
- free advice on being more energy-efficient
- protection from cold callers with a password protection scheme
to keep you safe
- your meter moved free of charge if it's hard for you to use or
read the meter
- a free quarterly meter reading if you can't read your
meter
- bills sent to a relative, carer or friend to help you check
them
- your bills and meter readings in a braille, large print, audio
tape, textphone or typetalk if you're visually impaired
- advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted
- priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted
- alternative facilities for cooking and heating if your supply
is interrupted
- extra help to use your meter or appliances
- annual gas safety checks
Free gas safety checks
You may also be eligible for a free gas safety check, for this
you must own your home and get a means tested benefit such as
Pension Credit or Income Support. Also, one of the following must
apply:
- you live alone
- you live with other adults who are aged over 60, disabled and
or chronically sick
- you live with at least one other child under five
How to sign up to the Priority Services
Register
British Gas - 0800 072 8625, or 0800 294 8604.
Lines open Monday - Friday 0800-2000, and
Saturday
Eon - 0345 052 0000, lines are open 8am to
8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. If you're
deaf or have hearing loss, and have access to a Minicom text
telephone, you can call Eon free of charge on 0800 056 6560,
or you can email deaf.contact@eonenergy.com
EDF - Fill out the online Priority
Services Register form. Alternatively, you
can call 0800 269 450 or minicom 0800 096
2929
Npower - Apply online or call 0808
172 6999
United Utilities - Fill out the online Priority Services
Register form or call 0345 072 6093 or webchat.
Useful contacts
Age UK Blackburn with Darwen
Address: 4 King Street, Blackburn
Phone: 01254 266620
Fax: 01254 266621
Web: www.ageukbwd.org.uk
Email: enquiries@ageukbwd.org.uk
Age UK (Darwen)
Address: Darwen Town Hall, Croft Street, Darwen
Phone: (01254) 773440
Web: www.ageukbwd.org.uk
Email: enquiries@ageukbwd.org.uk
If you are still unsure the Adult Social Care Team will be able to advise you. You can contact them from 8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 01254 587547.