Our old won’t be left in the cold

Great Places tenant, Vera Saville, pictured with Guy Cresswell, Great Places director of housing services, and Neighbourhood Officer, Daniel Crew.

A HOUSING Association has pledged to visit its 300 most vulnerable tenants in Oldham to ensure they stay warm this winter.

Great Places Housing Group will provide help and credit crunch tips to prevent its elderly residents dying from cold related illnesses. Britain has one of the highest rates of excess winter deaths in Europe.

Bosses have launched a campaign called You Can Glow When You’re in the Know with a key pledge to visit every one of its older and most vulnerable tenants at their homes this month to give them the support needed to stay warm and well.

More than 200 staff will be knocking on a total of 2,500 doors across the North-West and providing information on how to use their heating most efficiently, benefit advice on winter fuel and cold weather payments and handy budgeting tips.

There will also be a strong emphasis on tackling loneliness.

Guy Cresswell, director of housing at Great Places Housing Group, said: “We know from talking to our tenants, that one of the biggest issues in the winter, especially for older people, is not being able to get out and about as much.

“It’s more important than ever at this time of year to stay in contact with friends and family, and make the most of events and activities happening in the community.

“Simple tips such as ensuring all tenants have a ‘flu buddy’, and letting people know how to find out about free or inexpensive activities available to them, all help to reduce the risk of feeling lonely or isolated.”

Tenants will be given a re-useable, winter warmer gift bag, containing leaflets from Help the Aged, an assortment of store cupboard essentials donated by the Co-op, a moneysaving book worth £5, and a Lions Club charity Message in a bottle — used to store essential medical information for emergency services use if an illness or accident happens.

Tips for getting out on a budget include contact the local church to find out about free events like coffee mornings, volunteer at a charity shop to meet people, take advantage of cheap cinema offers, take part in day or evening classes, check out what the local sports centre has to offer for older people and call in on neighbours who might not be able to get out.