National Recognition for Gloucestershire Warm and Well
21/06/2006
At this time of year it’s hard to think about insulation and energy efficiency measures, but some of these measures can make the difference between serious illness and even premature death amongst those aged over 70.
The Gloucestershire Warm and Well scheme, which has been helping people across Gloucestershire most at risk from cold related illness’ for the past 5 years by offering advice and grants on insulation and energy efficiency measures, won the prestigious green energy Ashden Award at an award ceremony held at the Royal Geographic Society, London. The awards were addressed by leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron and former chief scientific advisor to the government, Lord May.
The Ashden Awards are the UK’s leading green energy award scheme. It rewards outstanding and innovative projects which tackle climate change and improve the quality of life by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency at a local level.
Gloucestershire Warm and Well reaches out to local communities through an efficient referral system of health and care professionals as well as extensive canvassing of rural communities. It’s a unique partnership of seven local authorities, three Primary Care Trusts, a fuel supplier and heating, insulation and solar water installers, and is developed and managed by Severn Wye Energy Agency. In the five years that it has been running, Warm and Well has provided over 16,000 households in Gloucestershire with advice and has improved over 9,000 properties.
Kaye Welfare, Assistant Director of the Severn Wye Energy Agency said, ‘We are absolutely delighted that our Warm and Well scheme has received this national recognition’.
The Ashden award prize money will be used to help extend the Warm and Well approach to vulnerable groups under the age of 60, particularly those at risk of cold related illness, families with children, adults with basic skills, and non-English speaking households.
To find out more about Warm and Well phone 0800 512 012 or click on www.swea.co.uk
