Stoke-on-Trent City Council award additional funding to keep Stoke-on-Trent residents warm at home after leaving hospital

According to the Building Research Establishment, cold homes cost NHS England £857m each year. This particularly affects those with respiratory conditions. Utility costs also soared last year, with electricity prices rising by 65% and gas by 128%. This has made it increasingly difficult for people to keep their homes warm during colder temperatures.

NHS guidance reports that those aged over 65 with a long-term physical or mental health condition, disability, or on a low income are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather.

That's why additional funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council to support vulnerable, local people at risk has been incredibly welcomed by our support provider Revival. 

Revival's Home Support Team at Royal Stoke Hospital provide home adaptations, food parcels, welfare checks and more to help safely discharge patients. The new funding will expand on that support to help vulnerable groups heat their homes and prevent readmissions. The support will supply patients with winter packs including a blanket, thermal mug, hot water bottle, thermal socks, thermometer, woolly hat, and gloves. Revival will also provide energy top-ups and toiletry packs to reduce the risk of illnesses associated with poor hygiene. Packs will include shower gel, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hand soap, and a comb.

Revival Co-Ordinator, Deborah Birks

Head of Wellbeing and Support at Revival, Julie Russell said she's pleased to have secured the extra funding to help vulnerable people in Stoke-on-Trent through the energy crisis.

“The first allocation meant we provided support to 34 people,” said Julie. “We’re so grateful to be given additional resources to carry on with that support. Living in cold temperatures can be detrimental to your health. Your immune system doesn’t work as well and makes you more vulnerable to contracting illnesses. It will be a lifeline to people struggling to pay to heat their homes, will prevent people with existing conditions from becoming seriously ill and will keep people out of hospital.”

Cllr Abi Brown, leader of the city council, adds: “I’m incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to award additional funding to Revival to help residents across the city who are being discharged from hospital. As a city council one of our main aims is to support vulnerable people in our communities to live their lives well. Keeping our homes warm is really important for health and wellbeing but we know that many households are feeling anxious about energy bills this winter. This funding will hopefully help make a real difference and support those in the city most at risk to avoid readmission to hospital.”

The funding is part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Stronger Together Through Winter initiative. Find out more using the details below or to find out more about Revival please visit www.thisisrevival.org.uk