Ealing Council's Cold Weather Support in Ealing (COSIE) team is offering people help to keep warm during winter.

People can call the COSIE free helpline for advice on how to keep homes warm and how to cut down energy bills.

Qualifying residents could also benefit from free home visits by ‘Green Doctors’ who can offer winter warmth packs with home and personal heating accessories such as fleece blankets, thermal socks and flasks, as well as draught-proofing, low energy light bulbs and reflective radiator panels.

Those likely to be eligible for the home visits include people aged 75 years or older, families on qualifying benefits with children under the age of five, and individuals with disabilities or specific long-term chronic health conditions.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “We don’t want vulnerable residents to feel they have to make a choice between eating or heating. There is help available and I would urge people to contact our COSIE helpline, particularly with the chilly weather we’re having – and with February typically a cold month. Similarly, if anyone you know is likely to be at risk during severe cold weather, please help them get the advice and support they need by contacting COSIE.”

Residents can call the COSIE helpline on 0800 083 2265 Monday-Friday, from 9.30am until 5.30pm.