Staying Warm This Winter
The energy crisis is here and the cost of heating our homes will almost certainly rise by at least 50% in April.
What can older people do, so that we are not faced the choice of “eat or heat?
Many of us live alone. There are several organisations in Greater Manchester you can ask for advice and help.
BURY COUNCIL – PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM
The UK suffers most in Western Europe from excess winter deaths, due to poor quality housing stock with inadequate insulation.
Key effects of this include:
- respiratory problems
- strokes
- hypertension (or high blood pressure)
- hypothermia (if your heating is below 18Cyou get cold very quickly)
- carbon monoxide poisoning (from using old paraffin heaters)
Certain groups are more effected
- 65+
- frail people
- people with pre-existing health conditions
- poorer people What can be done - “winter well check list”?
- Get flu and covid vaccinations
- keep homes warm
- ensure you are on correct medications and have enough“meds” to last if you cannot go out
- eat well and drink enough
- proper insulation in your home Energy efficiency and affordable warmth
CITIZENS ADVICE
They can give you a whole range ofadvice and one on one tips. These include
- Energy saving tips
- warm home discount
- being on a priority list
Check the website for tips and how to contact your local office across Greater Manchester
LEAP (COVERS GREATER MANCHESTER) – LOCAL ENERGY ADVICE PARTNERSHIP
Leap is a free service that helps people keep warm and reduce their energy bills,and is nationwide. With bills expected to increase by around 50% in April, or about £600 for the average household any savings are welcome.
LEAP’s website sets out the yardsticks for qualification for help, and below are some of the areas where they can help
- replacing a boiler
- connecting for warmth – replacing storage heaters with radiators
- radiator foils, energy saving bulbs, door and letter box brushes to stop draughts
- E-ON grant for cavity wall insulation and other insulation.
01525853300
AGE UK BURY
They offer all kinds of support, aimed to help older people These include
- keeping well this winter
- keep your spirits up
- manage your money
- looking after each other
- getting your flu jab
- when the weather is at its worst
Also most local Age UKs (most of the ten boroughs have one) offer home energy checks and handy person services for little jobs in the home, like electrical or plumbing jobs.
And of course Silverline is there 24/7 to offer support for older people over the phone.
https://www.thesilverline.org.uk
0800 4 70 80 90
Below are some tips taken from several sources to help you manage your energy consumption, most of which are based on having gas central and water heating. Many of the tips are useful if you have storage heaters, oil or any other kind of heating.
