We identify, reach and provide solutions for vulnerable people, who are often on low incomes and facing the challenges of living in cold homes – worsening health, risk of injury and social isolation. Work on the ground is delivered by our network of 200 home improvement agencies (HIAs) across England. These are local, trusted providers who provide a range of measures to help older and vulnerable p
eople stay independent at home, from minor/major adaptations to energy efficiency measures. We currently run national programmes with three major energy providers – npower, British Gas and SSE – and four national charities to distribute CSR and charity funds via our network of HIAs. FILT contributions enable HIAs to quickly fix problems around the home, increase the wellbeing of clients and prevent worsening of illnesses related to unfit housing. Simple improvements, such as fitting grab rails or fixing a hot-water system, can make a massive difference to the health and wellbeing of a vulnerable person, ensuring they are safe, warm and comfortable in their own home. This unique hub-and-spoke delivery model was recognised by Department of Health in winter 2012/13 when FILT received £0.5m funding from DH to co-ordinate a four-month programme that was designed to help vulnerable people at risk from cold-related harm and illness. The programme reached more than 6,000 people − many of whom had long term conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, asthma and dementia − and carried out more than 1,200 jobs ranging from fixing faulty boilers to draughty windows. Having evaluated the service, Sheffield Hallam University highlighted not only the benefits to people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing but also that “this service made a big and immediate difference to clients’ lives and delivered quick, cheap interventions that may be extremely cost effective in terms of cost savings to the NHS and other sectors”. Our most recent programme Warm At Home funded by SSE will reach 4,500 vulnerable householders and carry out 2,200 warm homes jobs through to March 2016.
