Helping you keep warm and save energy

WITH the high energy prices we’ve experienced recently, keeping our homes warm has been more of a challenge than ever this winter.

The council is taking action to help people in South Gloucestershire stay warm over the winter months, with several offers of support.

In November, we launched a thermal imaging camera loan scheme with our partner Warm and Well, where cameras can be borrowed from South Gloucestershire libraries to help identify heat loss around the home.

This initiative has been a great success, and has surpassed our expectations, with all of the cameras now booked out for this winter.

The cameras use colour images to display areas where heat is escaping from areas such as poorly insulated roofs, and gaps around doors and windows. This enables the user to take steps to improve measures in these areas to help keep heat in.

We are offering warm packs to those who need help to keep warm, which include clothing such as hats, socks and gloves, as well as other items for the home, including a blanket, an LED light bulb and tea bags. We are also giving out radiator panels, which are fitted behind radiators and help heat circulation and reduce costs.

The warm packs and radiator panels have been paid for through central government’s Household Support Fund. Certain eligibility criteria applies for both of these offers: visit your local One Stop Shop or library to find out more. We are additionally supporting a network of community welcome spaces across the area that are free to use, providing a warm place to go, with some also offering hot drinks and activities. For more information on available support, and to find a community welcome space, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/CostofLiving.

All libraries in South Gloucestershire also provide a warm and friendly place to stay during opening times.

For help with other household costs there are a number of funds and grants available, including the household support fund.

Details can be found on our financial support for residents page beta.southglos.gov.uk/ financial-support-for-residents.

Our partners Warm and

Well, run by local energy charity Severn Wye, also offer a range of home energy advice through their freephone advice line, 0800 500 3076, and can help people access a range of grant funding for energy efficiency improvements. For more information visit warmandwell.co.uk.