Better Housing Better Health extends service to support Central Bedfordshire residents with their home energy

Better Housing Better Health are extending their warmth and wellbeing service into Central Bedfordshire after securing funding from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

To help achieve their mission of tackling fuel poverty and creating healthier homes, Better Housing Better Health will be extending their support to residents in Dacorum, Central Bedfordshire and Luton.

Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) was set up by the National Energy Foundation, an energy efficiency and sustainable housing charity, to help the most vulnerable residents save money on their energy bills by accessing available grants, helping switch suppliers and registering households for additional support services.

During the coronavirus pandemic, community services such as food banks have seen an increase in demand as people suddenly find themselves without employment.

A government report issued before the pandemic identified that 10.3% of households in the UK were classified as living in fuel poverty.

Cold and damp homes can affect residents’ lungs, increase blood pressure and cause pneumonia and the behaviour adopted by those living in a fuel poor home can leave people isolated and alone.

Thanks to the funding from the Redress Scheme, the Better Housing Better Health service is now able to bring this vital support to more residents in addition to those they already work with in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Watford.

To help support residents, Better Housing Better Health has welcomed Emma Hales to the team to be the lead contact for the new areas.

Ali Vickers, Project Manager for Better Housing Better Health, said: "By bringing Better Housing Better Health to Dacorum, Central Bedfordshire and Luton, we’re helping more people access the support they need at a time when many are finding themselves unable to pay, or worried about their energy bills.

"Our service is a one stop shop for those in need and through our in-house team aswell as our network of partners we’re able to offer wide ranging support to help homes and people be healthier and happier."

The service has a free, impartial and confidential helpline for residents and referral partners to call for advice.

The service also offers free training for those working with vulnerable people in the community to help identify the signs of a struggling household and the best steps to take to help.

To speak to Emma from Better Housing Better Health, call 0800 107 0044 or visit the Better Housing Better Health website for more information.