Help and advice for a warmer winter

We all feel the cold in the winter. But for some people, cold weather can cause serious health problems.

Many people are tempted to turn their heating off to save money, but in some circumstances this can end up being even more costly, as it takes extra energy to reheat your home.

Top tips this winter for staying warm and healthy:

• Keep warm and set your heating between 18°C and 21°C in living areas and 16°c in bedrooms.
• Eat well and have regular hot meals and drinks.
• Wrap up warm and keep active.
• Look out for older friends and neighbours.
• Avoid common winter illness and get your flu jab (speak to your GP or visit a pharmacist for more information).
• Consider weather conditions before you leave your home.
• Switching energy providers could save you money.

If you would like advice about getting the best out of your heating system and saving energy, you can call and speak with one of our Asset Management Team. Also, they can visit your home to carry out an energy audit (social distancing rules applied).

More information about keeping your home warm this winter can be found here.

Did you know?

Community Energy Plus is a local charity, that delivers local solutions to fuel poverty, energy efficiency and sustainable energy. They can help by:

• Offering practical advice on understanding and reducing your energy bills and combating condensation and mould.
• Giving details of heating and insulation grants.
• Providing access to cheap energy tariffs through their collective energy switching initiative.
• Giving information on free membership to their community oil buying club.
• Providing support for families with children if they have additional needs.
• Giving referrals to other trusted service providers where appropriate.
• Information on emergency energy key “top ups”.

If you want to find out more, you can give them a call on 0800 954 1956. Also, you can email advice@cep.org.uk.

Other agencies that could help are:

• Let’s Talk offers a range of schemes to help those with utility debt. Some of their schemes also offer energy efficient white goods. Visit www.lets-talk.online/
• Turn to Us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Visit www.turn2us.org.uk/

If you are unable to contact any of these organisations or would rather speak to one of our welfare advisors please call 01726 874450 or email help@oceanhousing.com