RESIDENTS across East Sussex are being urged to keep warm and well this winter, with support and advice available through the council’s Warm Home Check service.

Public Health bosses are reminding people who struggle to keep their homes warm that the free service offers telephone advice as well as money-saving information and tips on how to stay warm for less.

Eligible households can also receive a Warm Home Check visit. This involves a home energy efficiency assessment and can offer small improvement measures such as radiator reflector panels, draughtproofing, LED bulbs, and boiler servicing.

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Heath for East Sussex, said: “Nearly 30,000 households in East Sussex live in fuel poverty and struggle to afford to keep warm at home.

“Although we’ve enjoyed a relatively mild autumn so far, winter is fast approaching. As temperatures fall, it’s important people are aware that the cold can be very harmful to health particularly for older people, those with long-term medical conditions, and young children.

“It’s vital people at risk stay warm and well this winter by keeping their home, particularly the living room and bedroom, heated to at least 18C (65F) throughout the coming months – and not just when the temperature drops towards freezing.”

Last year the council’s Warm Home Check telephone helpline and linked local Citizens Advice services handled 12,359 enquiries and helped over 700 residents obtain affordable warmth or other benefits to which they were entitled.

461 eligible households had a Warm Home Check visit and 65 households benefitted from more significant home energy efficiency upgrades from government grants worth nearly half a million pounds. A further 53 homes were provided with emergency temporary heating.

Mr Fullerton from Eastbourne was helped by the Warm Home Check service recently after contacting the team for advice.

During a home visit, it was found that the living room would heat up quickly and become very hot when the heating was on. A thermostatic radiator valve was installed so that Mr Fullerton could manage the distribution of heat throughout the property better.

A broken door pane, through which a lot of heat was being lost, was also fixed and reflective radiator panels, LED light bulbs, and an immersion heater insulation jacket have been installed.

In addition, an assessment was arranged for Mr Fullerton’s property to check his eligibility for support under other government grant schemes.

Following this, Mr Fullerton has been referred to the Warm Homes Local Grant fund for assessment for further energy improvements.

Mr Fullerton said: “The help I have received from Warm Home Check service has been exemplary.

“I never knew that these services were available to me and things I’ve learned from being involved with service have been amazing.

“Everything that has been done for me is incredible and I hope other people can benefit from the service.

“The help I have received has changed my life.”

Residents are also being reminded of simple steps they can take to keep warm and well this winter. Advice includes layering clothes to help trap in warm air, wearing non-slip footwear both indoors and out, moving about regularly, drawing the curtains at dusk, and having hot meals and drinks.

It is also important people get their seasonal flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 vaccinations if they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from these illnesses. This includes older people and other vulnerable groups including pregnant women, carers and people with certain health conditions.

Darrell Gale continued: “Now the clocks have gone back and the weather starts to turn colder, I encourage all residents to think about making sure they can stay warm and well this winter and to contact our Warm Home Check service if they need support and advice.

“And if you have older neighbours or relatives, please check on them to make sure they’re safe, warm and well when the winter weather bites.”

To apply for a warm home check visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/keepwarm, text WARMHOME to 88440 or call 0800 464 7307.

More information on how to stay warm and well this winter is available at warmeastsussex.org.uk/WarmAndWell