Hitting the cold spots – help for people struggling to keep their home warm

As winter sets in, families and vulnerable people who struggle to keep their homes warm can get help from Hampshire County Council’s Hitting the Cold Spots initiative.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Keeping warm is about far more than just being comfortable – it’s an essential part of keeping healthy. Cold weather can present a very real risk of serious health problems, especially for older people, the very young and those with long term medical conditions. If anyone is struggling to keep warm this winter, I urge them to pick up the phone and call the Hitting the Cold Spots team, who will be happy to help.”

Now in its ninth year, this county-wide affordable warmth project offers advice and support to people who are having trouble staying warm during the winter, including home visits, help to access funding for boiler repairs and replacements, temporary heating and first-time central heating. Hampshire residents can also receive advice about tariff switching and the Warm Home Discount, and get referred to other services for further help, including ‘safe and well’ visits.

Some of the services have eligibility criteria, but the phone advice line is open to all Hampshire residents. The advisers will be able to talk through the best possible solutions for each caller.

Since the start of Hitting the Cold Spots in 2011, over 3,400 households have benefitted from the advice and information provided by the team. In this financial year, more than 175 Hampshire households have already received support.

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay warm and well this winter, please contact an adviser on Freephone 0800 804 8601 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email [email protected].

For more information about the service, visit the Hitting the Cold Spots.

You are able to keep up to date with our articles, news and publications by following us on our social media channels below: