A NEW energy advice service has been launched to help Cambridge residents cut household bills and keep their homes warm this winter for less.
‘Winter Warmth’ has seen Cambridge City Council team up with environmental charity, PECT, to provide residents with access to free household energy advice and to book a free home energy advice visit from an impartial advisor.
Winter Warmth provides households with the information and resources needed to stay warm and healthy, while cutting costs. The scheme forms part of the council’s ongoing Anti-poverty Strategy aimed at tackling inequality in the city.
Residents using the service can also receive a free energy ‘goodie bag’, advice on choosing the best energy tariff and supplier, help to heat their home efficiently. In addition they can receive assistance to access the national Warm Home Discount scheme (worth up to £140), and information about further available grant funding for home energy improvements.
Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities said: “With the onset of the cold weather, some residents will be having concerns over heating their home while trying to balance the cost of heating. The Winter Warmth service will provide support to assist with a range of issues and help residents struggling to pay their energy bills or stay warm this winter.
Karen Igho, Communities Team Manager at PECT, said: “We are pleased to be working with Cambridge residents to offer them impartial home energy advice, in order to help everyone to stay warm and healthy this winter period. We would urge everyone to take up the opportunity to book a free home visit with us.”
There is substantial evidence which shows the detrimental impact cold homes have on the physical and mental wellbeing of UK residents. NHS advice* suggests that when the weather drops below 8C, some people are at increased risk of certain health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, pneumonia and depression.
For advice this winter, or to book a free energy advice home visit, call 01733 568408 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.pect.org.uk/winterwarmth.
*https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/KeepWarmKeepWell.aspx