Tips and links to help keep your home warm this winter
Eligible households should use the help and services available to them through the Council’s website to make sure heating bills don’t become a struggle this winter.
Living in a cold home can result in illness, especially for groups of people more vulnerable to cold weather, so be prepared and take action to keep yourself, your family and your home warm and healthy.
Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be very bad for your health. Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you: it can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, breathing problems, chest infections and falls or injuries. Keeping well means being able to do more and keep your independence.
Severe cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the following people who are all at risk of ill health or death if steps are not taken to reduce the risks from the cold weather:
- people with existing health conditions such as heart, circulation, kidney or lung problems (e.g. asthma), diabetes, arthritis, depression and anxiety are especially vulnerable to the cold weather and are at risk.
- people who have a long-term health condition or disability.
- people living with dementia.
- children.
- those who are pregnant.
- those aged 65 or over.
- or who are on a low income.
Top tips to keep warm and healthy this winter
Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:
- Heat your home to at least 18C (65F)
- Make sure that you stay warm, if going outside make sure you dress weather appropriately
- If you know someone at risk, make sure they know how to stay warm and are well stocked with food and their medications
- Get your flu jab if in a "flu risk group"
- Get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
Services to keep you warm this winter
Wandsworth and Richmond Assessment Point ( WRAP) is a free council one-stop support service for vulnerable residents in Wandsworth, to help they stay warm for less.
The service involves:
- A home visit to check bills and tariffs with free energy and water saving measures including a carbon monoxide detector.
- LED bulbs and radiator reflector panels.
- Assessments for grants and health and wellbeing services.
Advisors will visit homes to offer:
- Impartial advice on how to understand fuel bills, access tariff discounts and how to use heating systems effectively.
- Support for households to apply for heating and insulation grants and help them access discounts on water rates where eligible.
- Installation of free energy and water saving measures to save money and help residents stay safe and warm.
- Signposting and referrals to helpful local support services including health and wellbeing services e.g. talking therapies, lunch clubs and free smoke alarms and advice from the London Fire Brigade.
For more information about the free WRAP service, or to check if you’re eligible contact Thinking Works (the not-for-profit partners):
Telephone: 0800 118 2327
Text: 7928 394 482
Email: enquiries@thinkingworks.co.uk
Website: www.thinkingworks.co.uk/
For more information
Stay warm this winter by visiting the Council’s Winter Warmth page for helpful tips and links to support services.
The NHS also have some further information on how to keep warm and keep well.
You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment.
It is worthwhile claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to before winter sets in.
Useful tips
Compare the Market launched a guide called “20 Useful Tips and Advice to Save on Energy Bills During Coronavirus”, which is full of practical and timely information to help us cut down on our energy costs during Covid-19.
You can find the full guide here:
Plus Crew Energy is a company that provides:
- Free expert and independent telephone energy advice for vulnerable residents in South West London until end March 2021.
- Small measures. We can also offer FREE small energy saving measures (delivered to resident’s homes) if you are over 65, or on a low income or have long term health condition or disability. These include FREE lightbulbs, dehumidifiers, draughtproofing measures, and much more!
- Emergency fuel voucher for those on prepayment meter about to run out of electricity or gas.
To book a telephone advice session for your clients call our free phone line 0808 169 1779, send us a WhatsApp message on 07935 003126 or refer a client on: www.cact.org.uk/swtw
