Advice on staying warm … and a new pair of slippers!

The Warm Homes Healthy People initiative provides the opportunity for older or more vulnerable residents to receive support and advice on a range of issues.

Free help on offer includes emergency boiler repairs, insulation, draught-proofing or even assistance with paying fuel bills or the loan of a heater.

A free survey can be arranged where any energy saving opportunities will be identified and discussed.  To promote the project there will be a series of roadshows held around the county offering support and advice such as electric blanket checks, money management advice, information about meal-on-wheels services and home safety and energy products.

Agencies who work with older and vulnerable community members will be there to promote their services also. Ipswich Borough Council's HEARS alarm service and AgeUK who will be there to offer their benefits checks as well as healthy ambitions winter recipes and mugs to give away.

As part of the upcoming roadshows there will also be the opportunity to take part in a slipper exchange. Simply bring your old slippers and we'll give you a new pair, free of charge. The aim of a slipper exchange is to help reduce the number of falls of older people in their homes. Falls represent the most frequent and serious type of accident for people over the age of 65 and inappropriate footwear could be a contributing factor for falls.

For more information on the scheme please call 08456 037 686 (local call rate).

Future Ipswich road shows:
25th March 2013, Gainsborough Library, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, 10am - 2pm
3rd April 2013, Castle Hill Community Centre, Ipswich, 10am - 2pm.