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Author Topic: "kill the chill" campaign  (Read 2640 times)

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wolfman

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"kill the chill" campaign
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2008, 06:32:19 PM »
 
With dark nights upon us and the chill of winter beginning to bite, it is essential that vulnerable people throughout Stockport stay warm and healthy. 
 
 
 
The ‘Kill the Chill’ campaign is here to help.

It is estimated that 138 Stockport residents die each year because their homes are not adequately heated. These figures are based on a mild winter - a few degrees colder and this figure could be significantly higher.

The Council and its partners have a wide range of services, advice and support available to anybody who needs help with heating their home or staying fit and well during the winter.

Here are just some of the ways you can get help to 'Kill the Chill’:


Winter Fuel Payment - if you're aged 60 years or over you may get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm in winter. This tax-free annual benefit is normally paid from November. For more information call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 08459 151 515.

Money Matters - you have the right to have a comfortable home. Contact 'Stockport Advice' and get information on managing your money and making ends meet. For details of where you can find your local office call 0845 644 4307. If you need a visit because you can't get out and about call 474 3093.

Grants for cavity wall and loft insulation are available to home owners and private rented tenants who are aged over 70 or in receipt of a disability benefit, attendance allowance, means-tested benefit or tax credit.

Make sure you apply for grants you are entitled to. These can help assist with installing energy saving measures and you could get grants to help pay for cavity wall insulation, loft insulation or a new boiler. Contact the Energy Saving Trust for more information on 0800 512 012 or email: energy.efficiency@stockport.gov.uk

Get the flu jab! If you’re aged 65 years or over you should get the flu jab even if you feel healthy. Arrange to see your GP or practice nurse for more information.
Councillor Maggie Clay, Executive Member for Adults and Health, said: “In this day and age people shouldn’t have to make the choice between keeping their house warm or paying for food. Being warm has a real effect on a person’s wellbeing and with ‘Kill the Chill’ we’re doing what we can to help people to stay warm this winter.”

Being more energy efficient at home could save you around £200 a year. Here are some top tips to help reduce your energy bills:


Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn’t need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF.

Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.

Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Don’t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.

If you’re not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.

Don’t leave the fridge door open longer than is necessary. For every minute that the fridge door is open, it will take three minutes for it to regain its temperature.

Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you’re using an electric kettle).

Put lids on when cooking – this will mean things cook quicker. You will use less fuel if you use a pan that’s the right size for the job, put the lid on, and use as little water as necessary. And use the right ring size to avoid heating the air instead of the pan!

A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they’re fully turned off!

Replace your light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £78 over the lifetime of the bulb – and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs.
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Executive Member for Communities at Stockport Council, said: “At a time of rising fuel prices and a downturn in the economy, the Council and its partners are providing lots of sound advice on how to make ends meet and keep warm.”