Older People in Croydon want to be Safe and Warm in the Winter

Older people, disabled people and carers got to learn more about staying warm and keeping fuel bills low this winter at the OPeN Winter Warmer on the 6th December. The event was called Keeping Safe and Warm in the Winter – and gave older and disabled people the platform to speak up about the risks of fuel poverty  during the cold winter months.  

The event was part of a wider programme of activities taking place as part of the Warm Homes Campaign, a national campaign that aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people who cannot afford to heat their homes in winter. OPeN was one of 12 organisations to receive funding for a campaign event through the Warm Homes Campaign Award Scheme. 

The campaign, which runs throughout November and December, is organised by energy efficiency charity NEA in association with eaga plc, and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. OPeN used the event to raise awareness of the problems facing local people who struggle to affordably heat their homes and the role that energy efficiency can play in making their homes warmer, more comfortable and easier to heat.

The OPeN Winter Warmer was just one of many activities taking place across the country in support of the Warm Homes Campaign. The campaign particularly focuses attention on the misery cold weather can bring to the elderly, families with children, disabled people and others on low incomes. For more information about the event please contact Andrew Crooks on 020 8683 7015 or on andrew.crooks@cvalive.org.uk