MAKING sure that older people receive the information and advice they need to stay warm and well in the colder winter months is a vital part of the work of Age Concern and Help the Aged.
With many older people forced to cut back on food shopping or live in just one heated room of their house to save on fuel bills, it is vital older people take steps now to ensure that they are not caught out by the cold this winter.
That is why we have teamed up with British Gas to produce an information pack called Staying Warm in Winter, available free of charge to older people.
The pack offers essential advice on staying warm, keeping up with heating bills, tips on insulation, and includes a thermometer to help monitor how warm your home is.
Simple measures such as switching to low-energy light bulbs and ensuring your hot water tank is properly insulated can have a big impact on energy and fuel bills. It is also crucial that older people find out if they qualify for benefits this winter - council tax benefit, pensions credit and the winter fuel payment are just a few of the entitlements available.
I strongly urge anyone who is concerned about weathering the winter to call 0800 1692 081 and order a free packs to find out what support is on offer.
MERVYN KOHLER
Age Concern and Help the Aged adviser
Pentonville Road
London
