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Fantastic news for Ashford residents! Ashford Borough Council has secured a significant boost of nearly £79,000 from the esteemed National Energy Action (NEA) to launch their inspiring Warm Homes Healthy Futures scheme so prepare yourself for a wave of warmth and well-being sweeping through the community!
The proactive initiative, running until March 2026, is all about reaching out and supporting hundreds of residents whose health can be significantly impacted by chilly living conditions. Think of individuals managing conditions like COPD, asthma, depression, and heart disease – this scheme is designed to bring them much-needed comfort and relief.
The council’s dedicated Climate and Energy team is teaming up with local heroes in GP practices, hospitals, and social care teams to connect with those who need this support the most. They’ll be providing personalized case-worker assistance, ensuring vulnerable residents can truly enjoy the benefits of a warm home.
But that’s not all! Residents can look forward to receiving invaluable energy efficiency advice, along with practical help in applying for grants to improve their heating and insulation. They’ll also be connected with a network of other helpful services and local organizations, and even receive a free carbon monoxide monitor for added peace of mind.
And the support doesn’t stop there! The council’s Climate and Energy team will also be working closely with National Energy Action to provide benefit checks and income maximisation advice, ensuring residents are getting all the support they’re entitled to.
Are you ready to embrace a warmer home and healthier future? The scheme is for you if:
- You live with a health condition or disability that gets tougher in a cold and damp home.
- You’re finding it a struggle to keep up with your energy bills.
- You’ve been recommended for the service by a healthcare or social care professional.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and ensure everyone has the chance to live in a warm, healthy home. Spread the word and make the most of this fantastic initiative!
Tracey Kerly, Chief Executive of Ashford Borough Council, said:
“We want all of our residents in Ashford to be able to enjoy a life in good physical and mental health in a quality, affordable and sustainable home which suits their needs and lifestyle.
“This funding from National Energy Action will supplement our existing Warm Homes offer, providing a flexible delivery model which will allow us to respond to local gaps and needs, targeting those who most need our help. It will also connect the health and social care sectors to energy advice and support to help people stay warm, safe and healthy at home.
“We know that a variety of people are impacted by living in a cold home, and this scheme will help them with energy advice and support, maximisation of benefits and income, and signposting to a variety of further support, including crisis support like fuel vouchers, winter warmth packs and repair and replacement schemes for heating and appliances.”
For more information about the scheme, go to https://www.ashford.gov.uk/warmhomes/ or email coral.allon@ashford.gov.uk