Harrow’s most vulnerable people will be given vital help as the cold weather bites thanks to a new scheme.

Harrow Housewarmers, which is run by Harrow Borough Council and other groups, provides advice on staying warm, grants for heating and to provide emergency items for people in crisis.

The scheme, which is supported by Age UK Harrow, Citizens Advice Bureau, Harrow Association of Disabled People and NHS Harrow, received £82,000 funding from the Department of Health.

Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care, health and wellbeing Councillor Margaret Davine said: “The cold weather can mean a matter of life and death for some people. With a cold front now settling in, this scheme is more important than ever and is an example of how partners working together can make a real difference for vulnerable people across the borough.”

Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for environment and community safety, Councillor Phillip O’Dell, added: “This money will go a long way to making life comfortable, putting an end to isolation and improving health for many people.

“As well as providing vital assistance, it will also teach people about fuel efficiency and how to warm their homes effectively, which will see them through future cold weather periods.”   

Roadshows will take place at libraries across the borough, and in the town centre, to give people advice on energy efficiency and switching tariffs, benefit entitlement and how to apply for help paying off fuel debt.

Practical help with home insulation will also be available through the scheme’s contractors.

The scheme will also support The Healthy Outlook COPD Forecast Alert – a project run by the Met office and NHS.

The system contacts people who are registered with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and gives them advice, via an automated phone call, on how to manage their condition over the winter. 

Council Leader, Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar, who attended the launch of the project on Friday, said: “It is very important that we give extra help to those in need during the cold winter months.

“In winter it can be very easy for vulnerable people to become isolated. This scheme will ensure they get the help they need.

“I would like to thank all staff and volunteers for their support with this project, which will go a long way towards helping people who need it most.”