For the fourth year, Hampshire County Council, with its partners, is once again helping families and individuals to stay warm this winter with its ‘Hitting the Cold Spots’ campaign.
The number of people who benefit from the support offered by the Hitting the Cold Spots Team has been increasing steadily, with 443 Hampshire residents receiving help last winter. Help to access £115,000 in the form of small emergency grants to help with fuel bills and debts was also provided.
Cold weather not only makes life uncomfortable but can also lead to serious health problems such as strokes, pneumonia, depression and heart attacks. Hampshire County Council has been developing new and innovative ways to help people keep warm and reduce bills.
The easy way to find out more information is to call the dedicated free Advice Line on 0800 804 8601* where one of the Hampshire-based, friendly and knowledgeable team will be able to help.
*9am-5pm, Mon-Fri. May not be free from mobiles. Call 02380 336172 for landline rates.
The Hitting the Cold Spots Team could help you by:
- arranging a visit from a Hitting the Cold Spots Advisor offering advice and provision of practical support
- supporting with emergency heating measures such as electric oil filled radiators
- accessing small grant support to help with winter fuel emergencies support and advice on debt, money and benefits
- providing carbon monoxide detectors (free with a home safety visit)
- giving tariff change advice, to help save money on fuel bills
John, 57, from Andover and his family were among the hundreds who benefitted from help last year. He said: “It was a relief having someone to share the problems with and to find out what help was available.”
Read more about John’s story on page 16 of the winter edition of Hampshire Now magazine.
Executive Member for Hampshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health, Councillor Liz Fairhurst said: “Making sure that older people and families stay warm during the cold winter months is a top priority and we know it can be a struggle and a worry when the weather turns harsh.”
“This is why we have been working with a wide range of partners from both the voluntary and private sectors to offer trustworthy advice, information and practical support. Our dedicated free advice line is an easy way to find out more and to arrange a free Home Safety visit.”
Although it is still too early to predict how cold the coming winter will be, Hampshire residents, particularly those who are struggling with bills or with keeping their property warm, can now begin to prepare by phoning the dedicated free Advice Line on 0800 804 8601.
