Staying Warm and Well in Devon Service

Staying Warm and Well in Devon will provide practical support for vulnerable and older people to deal with the adverse effects of winter. This support includes advice and help with heating and insulation, benefits advice and help with changing energy suppliers. There will also be help available for emergency shopping and repairs during the winter.

 

Staying Warm and Well in Devon will focus on three key areas during the winter period:–

•  Wellbeing – where social isolation, recent bereavement and access to services and support may be difficult during the winter. This may include help with emergency shopping or supplies as well as regular phone calls to check during adverse weather conditions. (Provided by local voluntary and community organisations)
• Warmth – timely, practical support provided to assist with emergency boiler/heating problems. Support will also be provided to help with insulation and minor practical jobs to ensure vulnerable people are safe and warm during the winter. (Provided by Devon Care & Repair)
• Economic - support will be provided through the network of Citizen Advice Bureau’s Specialist Home-Visiting Service, to ensure people have accurate advice and support to maximise their income/benefits. Support will also be available to review and/or switch energy providers to ensure best value. (Provided by local CAB or Devon Welfare Rights Unit team)

  

The Process:

Identification of vulnerable older people will be from the local health and social care teams, local voluntary organisations or by self-referral.

Referrals can be made by: –

• Completing an on-line referral form or  click here to download a form [924KB Word]
• making a telephone referral on 01392 284284, or
• by signposting clients to make self referrals

Referrals will be passed to the coordinator who will phone the person to discuss the main issues of concern and agree an individual winter action plan based around – wellbeing, warmth and/or economic issues.  

This action plan will enable the local provider to contact the householder to agree how and when to undertake the actions.

The coordinators can also set up weekly or fortnightly telephone calls to check on general wellbeing and to enquire if any additional help is needed.