Heating and insulation grants available to ward off winter chills

Each winter hundreds of people suffer from serious illnesses such as heart attack, stroke and pneumonia, which could very easily be prevented.

Around 100 additional deaths occur from these illnesses in Barnet each winter compared to the rest of the year.

Barnet Council is working with NHS Barnet and Energise Barnet to identify vulnerable residents who may benefit from available grants to assist with heating improvements and insulation in their home.

More than 130 households have been helped by the council’s Decent Homes programme in the past year.

As well as the Decent Homes programme, the borough’s Winter Well campaign is able to give residents advice and help with insulation and heating improvements.

The council’s website offers advice on how to stay warm and healthy over the winter months. It also offers helpline numbers for people who are struggling financially to keep their home warm.

Councillor Helena Hart, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “This is a fantastic scheme and the council is ready to help and assist anyone who needs advice on keeping safe and warm. If either you or anyone you know – a neighbour, friend or relative – may be in need this winter, make sure you check on them and let them know about the help that is available.”