It’s been a mast autumn, which means lots and lots of berries. As the saying goes, ‘lots of berries forecast a harsh winter’. Well, while the birds are eyeing up their winter food, the forum members are preparing themselves for keeping warm during the winter months. This meeting focused on practical help and advice about reducing energy bills.
Ten Top Tips for Keeping Warm
Ann Hill highlighted 10 top tips for warmer homes which included:
1. Insulating and draught-proofing your home.
2. Check eligibility for insulation and heating improvements.
3. Look for energy advice, save money.
4. Seek fuel debt advice, energy suppliers should agree an affordable repayment plan.
5. Register for Priority Services, for those with special needs who are of pensionable age.
6. Control your heating ideally living areas should be 21oC and bedrooms 18 oC in colder weather.
7. Control your hot water, avoid leaving electric immersion heaters on for long and buy a jacket for your hot water cylinder.
8. Use appliances and lighting efficiently, turn off when not in use and fit low energy light bulbs.
9. Maximise your income, ask for a benefit check from a local provider, you may be eligible for energy efficiency schemes.
10. Monitor your energy use and bills, take advice on the best available fuel tariffs and consider fuel switching to get a better deal.
Further information and advice about ‘cold stress’ can be found here.
Keeping Warm and well in the winter – Age UK
Alex Bird from Age UK North Yorkshire gave a very informative talk. Every year more than 26,000 people die needlessly during the winter months – 90% of who are over-65s.
Alex gave hints and tips for getting ready for winter. Age Uk hold a number of ageing well classes such as Yoga and exercise classes for keeping fit and mobile.
Alex gave out packs with various information in them on items such as keeping warm and insurance products so that people can make informed choices. The packs also include healthy eating information and a free recipe booklet.
Last year Age Uk received grant money that helped to put on a number of activities, provide 200 winter warmth packs, provide food hampers and issue local information and advice. Read a simple information guide for tips about how to stay warm and healthy this winter at www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/spread-the-warmth.
For full report of the meeting see our ‘Forum events’ page