A successful bid for just over £111,000 was submitted to the Department of Health’s ‘Warm Homes, Healthy People’ fund by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, in partnership with NHS Rotherham, Rotherham Stay Put, Age UK, Willmott Dixon Partnerships and South Yorkshire Housing Association.

The money will be used to help people to stay safe and warm during the winter months, and prevent as many unnecessary winter deaths as possible.

The most vulnerable residents across the Rotherham borough will benefit from the enhancement of a number of current schemes to identify householders who may need assistance with their heating through home safety checks and visits throughout the winter months.  A range of individuals from across the organisations will also be trained to recognise vulnerable people.  The funding will also be used to provide a range of marketing materials to provide individuals, their families and carers with clear and consistent advice and information relevant to winter preparedness from all the involved organisations. 

Councillor Ken Wyatt, Chair of the Rotherham Health & Well Being Board, said: “This is fantastic news for vulnerable residents inRotherham.  Winter can be a very difficult time of year for many elderly people and it is hugely important that they have the support and advice to make sure they are prepared for the winter months.”

Dr John Radford, Director of Public Health at NHS Rotherham, said: “Being cold in your home can impact dramatically on your health.  Older people in particular, and those with long-term health conditions and illnesses are particularly at risk.  Individuals, families, communities and organisations such as the NHS, local authorities and voluntary and charitable organisations need to be aware of how we can help others when the winter temperatures drop.

“Every year, there is a 20% increase in deaths in the winter inEngland. By working together, we can help to protect those most in need.”

A total of £20million was made available by the Department of Health, supported by Age UK, for local authorities, partners and charities to address cold housing.  Bids were invited to develop innovative new ways to help vulnerable older people, people with disabilities or families with young children – reaching those falling through the gaps of existing schemes.

Cold homes have a significant impact on people's health and one of the best ways of keeping well during winter is to stay warm. Being warm and well during winter can keep coughs and colds at bay, but can also protect against serious illnesses such as pneumonia and heart attacks. Severe cold weather brings additional challenges such as managing heating systems more efficiently and effectively and making sure rooms in the home meet the recommended temperatures of 21°C in the living room and 18°C in other occupied rooms.

Top Tips for keeping warm and well – Department of Health 2010

1.  Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.
2. Get financial support. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It is worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
3. Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
4. Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant.
5. Look after yourself and others. On cold days try to avoid going outside; however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure that they are safe and well.

Check the NHS Choices website for more information:  www.nhs.uk/livewell

Ref: NHSR11 - P03