Time to think about those less fortunate
This column appears in the Cardiff Post today.
On Friday night, I went to the sleep-out to benefit the Cardiff Action for the Single Homeless.
This is an annual fundraising event and I've been going to it for years. I usually stay for a couple of hours and I'm pleased to be able to show support for both the homeless and for the many committed people who work with and for them.
With the coldest winter for 40 years being predicted, the plight of homeless people is very much on my mind, as is the plight of those who have homes, but who cannot afford to heat them adequately in the cold weather.
For this reason, I very much welcome the Warm Homes Campaign 2005, organised by National Energy Action (NEA) in association with Powergen. In order to reduce cold-related illnesses and to cut the number of excess winter deaths, this campaign raises awareness about the help available to people who might be having trouble heating their homes in the winter.
The Welsh Assembly Government has been working with NEA for several years on ways to combat fuel poverty and this week, the Fighting Fuel Poverty handbook was launched at the National Assembly. Among other things, this contains information about the Welsh Assembly Government's home energy efficiency scheme - so far, this has helped more than 51,000 households across Wales.
The Welsh Assembly Government has also recently announced that an extra £10m will be available to pensioners to keep their homes warm and pensioners on Pension Credit can already have central heating installed free of charge - this scheme will be extended to all pensioners aged over 80 in 2006-7, whether they get Pension Credit or not.
Alongside these government initiatives, the Warm Homes Campaign offers very practical advice about how to keep your home warm and how to save on energy bills. For example, to keep warm, it recommends drawing curtains at dusk to keep heat in, and fixing shelves about two inches above radiators to push warm air towards the centre of the room.
To save energy, it recommends things like using low-energy light bulbs in areas where light is used for long periods of time and always using a lid when heating liquids in a saucepan.
There are many agencies and organisations that can offer advice and support to those struggling to make ends meet, in the winter months especially.
If you are over 60, you should be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment - this averages £200 per household, with an additional £100 for households that include someone aged 80 or over. Call 08459 151515 to find out if you qualify.
For information on how to stay warm and to get details on financial help, you can phone the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or the Winter Warmth Advice Line on 0800 085 7000. And of course, for advice on health matters, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. You don't have to be ill to use this service - it's there to keep you healthy, as well as to answer questions about health problems. I know I've given out a lot of phone numbers here, but if you need help, call them.
This winter, you'll find safety in them.
Posted at 12:57 pm by juliemorgan
