Age UK set to make winter warmer for over 65s
Published on 03 November 2019 10:44 AM
Age UK set to make winter warmer for over 65s as E.ON funding continues to support Age UK’s Warm Homes Programme
Age UK is set to continue its work supporting older people struggling during the colder months thanks to continued generous funding from E.ON. The funding will help alleviate the effects of fuel poverty on older people by relaunching its Warm Homes Programme on July 8th 2019.
The Warm Homes Programme is now in its 9th year and last year, we helped 12,000 older people boost their income by, on average, £3,000.
Thanks to E.ON’s support, local Age UKs and Age Cymru partners across England and Wales, including Age UK County Durham, will be able to help older people to reduce their energy consumption and become warmer during colder winter months.
Older people in County Durham can take advantage of free benefits advice with trained advisors who can assess their eligibility for benefits and provide support to claim what they are entitled to. Advice is free, impartial and confidential and also means that Age UK County Durham can refer people to additional services and support.
Last year Age UK’s Warm Homes programme supported thousands of older people. Through the programme, more than 12,000 older people were helped and £36 million of benefits were identified. This means that, on average around £3,000 per older person per year. Many older people have commented on what impact this service will have on their lives:
'After receiving my attendance allowance my everyday life has not been such a financial worry, I can't thank this service enough for what it has done for me.'
'The advice received from your colleagues was one of encouragement and with genuine understanding and sympathy for our health issues. I was delighted when both of our applications were accepted.'
For more information and advice on how to save money on your energy bills, download Age UK’s Save Energy Pay Less and Winter Wrapped Up guides. Older people and their families can also check out Age UK’s energy saving top tips – see below. Older people and their families and friends can also seek advice from the Charity’s free, Age UK Advice helpline 0800 169 6565.