Support available for vulnerable people this winter
With temperatures starting to dip below zero again residents are enquiring about any help that may be available. One potential source of support is the Warm Homes, Healthy People project. This scheme brings together organizations across Oxfordshire to provide practical advice and support for people in need over the winter. Around £152,000 has been secured this year to support a range of activities.
If you are aware of any older people, low-income families or others who may be vulnerable to severe cold this winter, they may be entitled to help through the scheme. This could include:
- free benefit entitlement checks
- free grants for household refurbishments, such as emergency heaters and draft-proofing
- free membership to an oil bulk-buying scheme
- provision of fuel vouchers and food boxes
- support for vulnerable isolated older people
- piloting the use of ‘smart meters’ in households.
All of the support is subject to funding and eligibility criteria.
For more information and for eligibility criteria, people can visit the Warm Homes, Health People website or call the dedicated helpline on 0800 107 0044.