Warm Homes Healthy People

Warm Homes Healthy People is a free service which helps people who are homeless, vulnerable or poorly housed to keep warm, through information and advice, emergency practical support and small energy efficiency measures.

What is available

Through a number of voluntary and community organisations, eligible households are able to access:

  • repairs to existing heating systems
  • emergency heating
  • bedding, clothing and emergency food
  • advice on energy bills, grants and discounts
  • advice on heating
  • debt and benefits advice
  • home energy checks
  • energy efficiency measures such as light bulbs, draught-proofing and lagging.

Inn Churches delivers the practical support element, providing food, bedding and clothing for the homeless, vulnerable and poorly housed.

Who is eligible?

Eligible households must be able to fulfil at least one of the following criteria:

  • a household member:
    • aged over 65
    • aged under 5
    • with a long-term health condition
    • with a mental health condition
    • with dementia
    • with a learning disability
    • who is pregnant
    • who is an asylum seeker or refugee
    • who is receiving means-tested benefits
    • experiencing or fleeing domestic abuse
  • a household income below £16,190
  • accommodation in disrepair or not adequately heated

Does it make a difference?

An independent evaluation of the programme found that despite very short timescales, the programme was extremely successful, providing real, immediate and direct help to nearly 50,000 of the most needy and vulnerable people. No duplication of activity was identified and the potential exists for a larger volume of activity.

The evaluation found unanimous agreement that there is a need for winter warmth activity in Bradford to continue.

How to access this support

Anybody can refer to the Warm Homes Healthy People service, either for themselves or on behalf of somebody they know. Please ensure you have permission from the individual you are referring if not yourself.

Different aspects of the provision are handled by different organisations within the Warm Homes Healthy People partnership, the relevant parts of your referral will be directed to the appropriate organisation for processing and they will be in touch with you directly to make arrangements.

Make a referral on the Groundwork site.