Help at hand to keep Spalding's elderly warm

Description:

Spalding and South Holland's elderly are being encouraged to apply for grants to help them meet the rising cost of keeping warm this winter.

As the weather gets colder Lincolnshire County Council's Everybody Benefits campaign is urging the elderly and other vulnerable groups to apply for Government grants to make their homes warmer and healthier.

The grants are available under a scheme called Warm Front and generally provide cash help of up to £2,700.

  If you qualify, a Warm Front grant provides:

• Energy-efficiency advice
  
• Two energy-efficient light bulbs
  
• A package of insulation and energy-efficiency improvements.

 

Councillor Graham Marsh, Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: "We want to make sure older and vulnerable people stay warm and healthy and these government grants are there to help.

"The improvements may include loft and cavity wall insulation, repairs to your existing heating system, or even a new central heating system. Don't miss out as the cold weather begins to bite."

To find out if you qualify, call the Warm Front Team free on 0800 316 2817 (please quote MK822).
You can also apply online at www.warmfront.co.uk

Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

Elderly people's charity Age Concern also has some top tips for keeping warm.

These include:

• Eat for warmth - Regular hot meals and hot drinks provide warmth and energy.
  
• Keep moving - Any activity, even vacuuming gets circulation going and makes you feel warmer.
• Dress appropriately - Wrap up warmly, indoors and out, ideally several layers of thin clothing.
  
• Keep your home at the right temperature - Hang thermometers in the living room and bedroom and keep temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees centigrade (70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
  
• Keep warm at night - Wearing the right clothing to bed is as important as wrapping up outdoors.
  
• Insulate your home - Double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation are all good means of trapping warmth in the home. You could also hang a thick curtain on front and back doors and use draught-proofing strips.
  
• Get a flu jab - The flu virus changes every year so get your jab EVERY YEAR.
  
• Sleep with your windows closed - Cold air on the head at night has been shown to increase blood pressure.
  
• Claim your rightful benefits and grants - Everyone over 60 should claim the Winter Fuel Payment and there are many other benefits and grants to which you may be entitled. Call SeniorLine to find out more on 0808 800 6565.
  
• Apply for grants and programmes - There are many free products and services designed specifically for older people, such as the British Gas ‘here to HELP' programme. Contact major energy suppliers to find out what they offer.