As we move into autumn, there are ways you can help keep yourself and your family warmer through the winter.ย
The Warm Home Check service provides free advice and home visitsย ย to help you keep warm at home and reduce your energy bills. Get in touch through the Warm East Sussex website, call the freephone number on 0800 464 7307 or text WARMHOME to 88440.ย ย
The energy price cap is expected to rise significantly in January. The Warm Home Check service can help you to work out the best tariff for your household and help with access to other emergency support.ย
Hastings Borough Council, Hastings Integrated Community Teams and other partners are holding a free Winter Wellbeing event in Hastings on Thursday 8 October at the White Rock Theatre from 1pm to 3pm. Come along for activities, advice, connecting with local support services, vaccinations for the winter and even bring along your old slippers to swap them for a new pair for free.ย
East Sussex Fire and Rescue are holding an electric blanket testing session at Hastings Fire Station, Bohemia Road, on Wednesday 21 October from 2 to 4pm. Anyone can bring an electric blanket and/or heat pad along for a free safety check. If you are unable to attend yourself, a friend or family member can bring your item for you.ย
Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for housing,ย said:
There is lots of help and support available if you are struggling to keep yourself or your home warm going into winter. Please contact the support services who will be able to provide advice and information to help you.ย ย
Electric blankets are a good way to keep yourself warmer overnight but it is really important to make sure they are safe to use every year, so please take advantage of the free safety checks being offered before you use yours. If you or someone in your household is vulnerable, you can register with the priority services register, this can provide extra help during emergencies such as water or power outages.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue has advice on electric blanket safety and other safety checks across East Sussex - Electric Blankets | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service