As temperatures continue to plummet and costs
rise, social landlord Riverside is helping tenants keep warm and
well, advising on the best deals for fuel and tips on insulating
homes.
Since last April, affordable warmth advisors in Merseyside
and Cheshire have visited over 300 homes, saving tenants almost
£100,000 on their fuel bills.
Emily Hoyle is
strategic affordable warmth officer at Riverside. She
said: “We distributed almost 2,000 free winter warmer packs
for older people across Merseyside and Cheshire, to support the
vulnerable throughout the coldest months. The packs provided
fleece blankets, thermal mugs, hand warmers, thermal socks and hot
water bottles. They have been really well received. But
we may not have got through the worst of the cold weather yet, so
we are continuing to carry out home visits to advise tenants on
keeping warm, while saving money and energy.”
As part of its affordable warmth programme,
Riverside is planning a pilot scheme to recruit tenants as
affordable warmth champions in Bootle.
Emily added: “We will be providing
training for volunteers who wish to help their friends and
neighbours with cost and energy savings in the home. Our
tenants are best placed to spread the word on how to get help
keeping warm and well.”