Top award for scheme to help vulnerable residents stay warm in winter

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Warm Homes Healthy People project has won recognition at the North East Energy Efficiency Awards.

The project won the Regional Vulnerable Customer Support Organisation of the Year Award for organisations that have shown a true commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people through energy efficiency in their region.

Last winter the scheme helped hundreds of residents including:

• 177 requests for assistance processed

• 74 boiler repairs actioned by the service

• 66 proactive boiler services actioned which undoubtedly reduced the number of repairs

• 27 individuals referred to the Fire Brigade for emergency heating solutions

• 223 households received support through grants and benefits through income maximization

• 204 clients assisted by Stockton and District Advice and Information Service with the majority seeking advice regarding benefits

Reuben Kench, the Council's Director of Community Services, Environment and Culture, said: "For 12 years, the Council's dedicated team have worked hard to help our most vulnerable households stay warm in the winter months.

"This award is testament to the compassion and commitment of our staff, working tirelessly to help those residents who are struggling with their heating payments or their domestic heating systems. Well done!

"Warm Homes Healthy People runs from October to March each year and offers a range of support to the most vulnerable in our community. It's easy to apply to the scheme with a simple online form on our website."

Visit the Warm Homes Healthy People web page for more information. 

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