Residents in Oxford concerned about keeping warm in their homes this winter are being encouraged to contact the free helpline for advice.
The helpline, which is operated by the Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) scheme, provides any Oxford resident with a single point of contact for services, advice and grants in order to stay warm and well in their homes.
The free ‘Better Housing Better Health’ helpline, 0800 107 0044, which residents can ring for guidance on how to stay warm, is open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
The scheme has been launched by the National Energy Foundation (NEF), working on behalf of Oxford City Council and the five other local authorities across Oxfordshire
Those at greater risk of the impacts of cold homes include those who are:
- Aged over 60
- Children under 5 and pregnant mothers
- Living with respiratory disease (COPD, asthma)
- On a low income
- Suffer from cardiovascular disease (Ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease)
- Suffer from moderate to severe mental illness
- Terminally ill
- Have limited mobility
- Have severe learning difficulties
- In long-term debt
There are no eligibility requirements for residents wanting to access the service. Any resident who is looking for free advice on how to keep warm is encouraged to call the helpline.
Residents who call the helpline will have their needs assessed over the phone and, where eligible, can be referred to:
- Expert Energy Advice
- LEAP Home Energy Visit and associated services such as small repairs
- Energy bill discounts
- Grants and funding
- Income maximisation
- Other Council services and more