Keep The Home Fires Burning

Keep the Home Fires Burning
St.Helens Council is working with Age UK Mid Mersey and other local organisations to assist older & vulnerable people in St.Helens to stay safe and warm this winter. A help line is available to provide help and information on all matters related to staying safe and warm including details of grants for heating and insulation, advice on fuel debt, the priority services register from your gas and electric provider, switching supplier, emergency heaters, clearing snow & gritting paths and more.
Local Cold Weather Volunteers
If severe weather strikes again this year, could you help a vulnerable person who lives near you?
We are looking for people to help vulnerable people who live in your street or somewhere in your local area.
Tasks include clearing snow from paths and drives, salting paths to get rid of ice, thawing condensate pipes (external) from boilers so the heating comes back on.
All you need is reasonable fitness (jobs will need physical exertion out of doors in cold weather) and a desire to help someone in need.
If severe weather strikes we will be receiving free phone calls on our help line and will then call you out to help a vulnerable person or family living near you. You really could be a lifesaver!
Volunteering is only through the winter months, if you would like to become a cold weather volunteer contact the free phone number or call the St Helens Volunteer Centre.
Cold Weather Packs
Packs containing advice, information and aids to keeping warm & healthy will be available. See local press for details or call the free phone number.
Cold Weather Befriending Scheme
Are you lonely or want to help someone who is lonely? What if you aren’t fit enough to clear snow, but still want to help?
Maybe you could be a telephone befriender. This would involve regular phone contact with a vulnerable person to check they were OK, and contacting the free phone number if you feel that person is at risk.

If you think you can help or if you want to find out more please ring the free phone number, 08000355878, or call the St Helens Volunteer Centre on 01744 751759 or Ian Hodgson at Age UK on 01744 752644 or e-mail him at ianhodgson@aukmm.org.uk.