Heating advice for those most in need
A NEW free helpline has been launched for people who need advice and support to stay warm during the winter.
The Winter Wellness project provides expert advice and support for vulnerable people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and is co-ordinated by Cornwall Council. It works with various organisations to help the elderly, young families and people in poor health avoid suffering from living in cold or damp homes.
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- Representatives of the partnership launch freephone number for Winter Wellness campaign at Truro Wellbeing Centre. L – R Anthony Ball, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly; Steve Roberts, Volunteer Cornwall; Gail Jago, Cornwall Works; Ian Smith, Community Energy Plus; Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing; Carolyn Boyce, Cornwall Community Foundation; Marita Ward, Cornwall Rural Community Council.
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Representatives of the partnership launch the freephone number for the Winter Wellness campaign at Truro Wellbeing Centre. From left is Steve Roberts of Volunteer Cornwall; Ian Smith of Community Energy Plus; Gail Jago of Cornwall Works; Marita Ward of Cornwall Rural Community Council; Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for housing; Carolyn Boyce of the Cornwall Community Foundation and Anthony Ball of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Advice on insulation, heating and managing energy bills is available along with practical support, targeted at those in the greatest need.
Referrals
Social enterprise Community Energy Plus is the initial contact point, via Freephone 0800 954 1956, and will make referrals to other services as well as providing advice about combating damp and mould and helping vulnerable householders apply for insulation and heating schemes.
Managing director Ian Smith said: "This project is ... providing joined-up support for those at the greatest risk of illness.
"We want to make it simple for frontline health and social workers, advice agencies and vulnerable householders to quickly access advice or practical help. While this project is due to finish at the end of March, the lasting legacy will be the closer co-ordination between partners to help their clients benefit."
Cornwall Council Cabinet member for health and well-being Carolyn Rule said: "I urge people who are worried about keeping warm this winter to make that call now and find out what help is on offer."
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