Scheme boosts help for Blackpool carers

The money, from the Warm Homes Campaign, run by National Energy Action, is being used for items such as draft excluders, radiator heat reflector panels and energy saving light bulbs.

And the items are being fitted free by volunteers for the Blackpool Carers Centre as part of a campaign to keep carers warm.

The charity has also worked with other agencies to save thousands for carer families in benefits and heating costs.

Other work carried out with families has included providing them with extra warm duvets, replacing inefficient fan heaters with super-efficient oil filled radiators, plus food and fuel vouchers where needed.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden said: “It is great news that Blackpool Carers has secured this funding to help local carers with their household energy bills.

“Through the casework I receive, I know all too well of the problems many families in Blackpool are facing around fuel poverty.

“From my own personal family experience of being a part time carer, I know what a big difference this kind of support will make to improving the lives of carers in the town”.

Blackpool Carers Centre’s Keeping Carers Warm campaign, funded by the Scottish Power Energy People Trust Fund and working in partnership with Citizens Advice, has worked with 125 families since the project started in October 2016.

Tens of thousands of pounds in unpaid and unclaimed benefits have been recovered for carers, as well as fuel debt being reduced by thousands for households with a caring role.

Chris Lear of the Keeping Carers Warm project said: “This is the one area where our carers can save a substantial amount of money on their home energy costs.”

He said carers can find out more on 01253 393748.

Other work has included home safety checks by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and replacement boilers installed via the Cosy Homes in Lancashire Scheme.