Ribble Valley Elderly Residents Get Cosy

The Warm Homes Healthy People scheme launched by Ribble Valley Borough Council with £108,000 from the Department of Health is offering free electric blankets, fleece shawls, hats and gloves, flasks and thermos cups, nightlights, slippers vouchers, draft-proofing and radiator reflectors.

The packs will be delivered to households by trained volunteers, along with advice about energy efficiency measures for the home, including free loft and cavity wall insulation.

Utility bills advice sessions will take place to ensure vulnerable households are receiving the best tariffs and a thermal imaging camera will be used to demonstrate heat loss from homes.

Ribble Valley Mayor Simon Hore launched the scheme at an Open House Community Day at St Michael and St John's Social Centre in Clitheroe.

He said: "Winter can be a tough time for the elderly and Warm Homes Healthy People will see a range of measures made available to the borough's most vulnerable residents. We are delighted to be taking the lead in this project and would like to thank the Department of Health for its support."

Kath Mitchell, services coordinator for Lancashire Age UK, said: "Many elderly people struggle to keep their home warm enough to combat the cold weather and then pay their heating bill.

"Age UK's Winter Warmth campaign highlights the plight of many older people over the winter and aims to tackle health, heating and loneliness issues during the cold, dark months. 

"We therefore welcome Warm Homes Healthy People and are delighted to support the project."

Tasma Valinakis, of Help Direct East Lancashire, added: "Help Direct is delighted to be a partner in Warm Homes Healthy People and looks forward to hearing from Ribble Valley residents who would like to request a pack or need information about local services."

Warm Homes Healthy People is available to Ribble Valley residents aged over 65 or with young children in receipt of an income-related benefit.

The scheme is delivered in association with Lancashire Age UK, Help Direct, the Ribble Valley Older Persons' Group and Ribble Valley Homes.

For further information or to book a home visit contact Help Direct on 0303 333 1111 without delay.

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