Welcome from Christine McGourty

Over the past week, the wintry weather has arrived and it’s predicted that it will remain extremely cold for most of February.  We expect that this cold snap will mean a busy time for the Home Heat Helpline as more people call to get advice about their energy bills. 

But, our new research shows that the bad weather can bring out the best in people, fostering a greater sense of community, with people lending a hand to help their neighbours and friends cope.  We are encouraging people to be good Samaritans this winter and call the Home Heat Helpline on behalf of people in need, to see if they are eligible for help.  

With the Arctic weather setting in, we also want to make sure that you have got all the information you need to help those who may be worried about their energy bills. Call the Helpline (0800 33 66 99) or visit the Home Heat Helpline website to request leaflets, posters and booklets.

Seasonal Samaritans

As the big freeze hits the country, it seems that the bad weather can bring out the best in people. New research from the Home Heat Helpline shows that over half of Brits (51%) say they feel a greater sense of community and want to help others more when it’s freezing cold. One in five say that during a predicted bout of heavy snowfall, they are more likely to phone their family and friends, while one in eight will help neighbours by shovelling driveways. This is good news for the Helpline as we encourage people to ensure friends, family and vulnerable neighbours are staying warm this winter. By calling the Helpline, they can find out if they themselves, their family, or friends are eligible for help. That assistance can be worth an average of £250. 

Read Seasonal Samaritans - research shows Big Freeze brings out neighbourly spirit.

Big Energy Week

The Home Heat Helpline worked closely with Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) on their Big Energy Week which was held in January.  The CAB held hundreds of events across the country providing advice on the steps people can take to reduce their energy bills. Advisors from the Helpline were on hand, in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and other UK cities and towns, to talk about the Helpline and provide advice on saving money by getting homes insulated. Janette Carrison from the Helpline was at the CAB event at the St James shopping centre in Edinburgh where she met Scottish Secretary, Michael Moore.

Helpline advisor takes to the airways

The Home Heat Helpline and National Energy Action (NEA) advised thousands of radio listeners last month on how to reduce energy bills as part of Big Energy Week. Questions came in from across the country and Jonathan Mackie from the Helpline and Jimmy Pugh from the NEA provided advice about the help that is available.

 

Helpline visits two parliaments

The Home Heat Helpline held events at the Houses of Parliament  and the Scottish Parliament  to raise awareness about the Helpline amongst MPs and MSPs. John Wilson MSP sponsored the event at Edinburgh. Dragons’ Den star, Hilary Devey was at the Westminster event where she talked to MPs about how the Helpline can provide advice and assistance to people in their constituency.

Energy Secretary, Ed Davey and Hilary Devey

Hundreds turn out for advice day

Home Heat Helpline advisor Kevin Read was on hand to answer questions at an energy advice day held this month at the civic centre in Morden, South London. Hundreds of people turned up to the event, which was organised by Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden. Residents from the local area asked Kevin for advice on a range of topics including the grants that are available, free insulation and energy saving tips.

New graphic helps spread the word about saving energy

The Home Heat Helpline has devised a new information graphic to help explain, in an easy to understand way, about the Helpline and how to save money on your energy bills. You can download the graphic for use on websites, newsletters or to email out to people.