With the rising cost of living, specifically with fuel bills, Oxfordshire local authorities are keen to make sure parents who are struggling or at risk of struggling can contact the support that’s out there this Summer, before Winter comes around again.
The Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) service, provides free, local telephone support to help people stay warm and well in their homes (e.g energy advice, support with energy bills, applying for energy efficiency grants etc.). In addition, certain residents might be eligible for a home visit (link to an explainer video) for those people where the telephone isn’t as effective in working out what help is available for them.
Last year BHBH helped nearly 750 residents and found a total of £36,000 that people had missed out on.
The ask is… if through safeguarding concerns housing appears to be an issue please either refer or signpost the details of this service to safeguarding leads or parents in need and encourage people to make the call to find out what help is out there.
Residents and professionals can contact the BHBH service directly by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 107 0044 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm) or can be referred directly via the website https://www.bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral/.
The UK fuel poverty crisis, may increase the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Gas Safe Charity provides a free hour long Zoom training course to raise awareness of carbon monoxide risks, aimed at front line staff who provide support to vulnerable people in their own homes. Gas Safe want to help front line staff and volunteers to be more aware these risks and help prevent poisonings and have added new dates to our sold out programme, including some into September.
The interactive workshop lasts an hour. To find out more and to book please click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/115618952399