The npower Health Through Warmth scheme in East Yorkshire is celebrating a new milestone after receiving its 3,000th referral.
The scheme launched in the region in 2003 aims to help vulnerable residents whose health is made worse by cold living conditions as a result of inadequate heating and insulation.
Health Through Warmth is managed locally by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in partnership with NHS East Riding of Yorkshire.
npower Health Through Warmth works closely with community workers, including local pharmacies, who can refer residents to the scheme. Last year a series of awareness sessions where conducted aimed at helping pharmacists better identify residents whose health was adversely affected by cold conditions, enabling them to refer people to the scheme for help.
Each referral is assessed individually by the local Health Through Warmth co-ordinator. Funding is accessed from a variety of sources, including the unique npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund, government grants and charitable funds to help pay for the installation of appropriate heating and insulation measures.
Illnesses that can be adversely affected by cold living conditions include respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, arthritis, terminal illness, mental health issues and mobility difficulties.