Wigan households set to benefit from Cadent Foundation’s Winter Warmer Packs to combat cold weather

Households living in Wigan will be given access to essential supplies to help them stay warm during winter thanks to the delivery of winter packs from Groundwork’s Green Doctor programme.

The packs have been designed as an emergency intervention to those who need it most and are eligible for those living in fuel poverty. Funded through the Cadent Foundation, the packs include essential items such as hot water bottles, gloves, scarves, hats and blankets.

Now in its sixth year, the Winter Warmer Campaign has helped deliver essential support to approximately 25,000 people across the UK, with Cadent Foundation donating almost £1 million worth of essential items. Groundwork will be distributing the packs from its local community hubs as well as via partnerships with food banks and other support services across the town.

According to National Energy Action, 14 per cent of households in Wigan are currently living in fuel poverty – higher than the national average. This includes those struggling to afford to heat their homes. Data from Cadent’s latest Energy Diaries suggests that one fifth of households have had to choose between eating and heating in the last year, while 46 per cent of households feel anxious about the cost of their energy bills.

Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director at the Cadent Foundation, said: “Millions of households are going to be anxious this winter about their energy bills. Our partnership with Groundwork is designed to ensure those who are living in vulnerable situations receive the support they need to help combat rising energy bills. We hope that the winter warmer packs will provide some much-needed relief to allow households to stay warm and well during the colder months and would encourage anyone struggling to reach out to their local Green Doctor programme.”

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “Far too many people will be dreading the coming winter months and will feel alarmed by the once-again rising cost of energy bills. With some resorting to desperate measures of ‘heating or eating’ to stay warm, cold temperatures bring not just financial worries but serious health risks.

Our Green Doctors support people in vulnerable situations every day to provide some immediate relief, while also helping people to reduce their bills and make positive changes at home to save energy in the longer term.”

Supported by Cadent Foundation, Groundwork Green Doctors support those living in fuel poverty through the Stay Warm, Stay Well programme. Helping people struggling with their energy bills, Green Doctors visit homes and offer practical guidance on energy efficiency, including behaviour change tips, as well as referrals to other local support services, including debt advice and food banks.

Cadent Foundation is funded by local gas network Cadent and has been established to help households find sustainable solutions to fuel poverty and ensure people are safe and warm in their homes. More information can be found at www.cadentfoundation.com.