Monday 10 May 2010

Keeping Warm in Williton in the Winter

Helping people over 50 stay warm and well in their homes

Warmer Improved Somerset Homes (WISH) is a new advice project which has been set up offering help and support to parishioner's over the age of 50 who live in Somerset.

The project is designed to ensure people are able to continue living independently, and stay warm and well in their own homes.

As the average domestic fuel bill continues to increase (by around 125% in the last five years), many people who live in rural areas and are over the age of 50 continue to face huge costs - or often risk living in cold, damp homes to avoid large gas and electricity bills.

Help is at hand, though, with the new WISH project, which offers a free and impartial service providing advice and support with:

  • energy efficiency and cutting fuel bills
  • grants for insulation and heating improvements
  • grants and support for home improvements and adaptations
  • checking what benefits you may be entitled to

The WISH team can provide tips and advice on how you can keep your fuel bills down - and stay warm, including with grants for loft and cavity wall insulation. They can also help with finding grants to improve and adapt your home, such as with handrails, etc. They are also able to check to ensure you're receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.

The support will then be carried out through a variety of methods including home visits, talks and presentations, case worker support and follow-up telephone calls.

If you are worried about your fuel bills and would like to find out more about how WISH can help you, call the advice line free on 0800 512 012 or email wish@cse.org.uk.

The WISH project is a partnership between the Centre for Sustainable Energy (reg. charity no. 298740) and the Somerset Home Improvement Agency.

WISH is an extension of an older project. Funding for this three-year project has been provided by the Nationwide Foundation.

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