ELDERLY people living in Kirklees will get help keeping warm this winter.
The Safe and Warm project, being run by home improvement agency Anchor Staying Put, is offering elderly people across the area the chance to get their gas appliances serviced free of charge.
Funded by the Affordable Warmth Strategy at Kirklees Council’s Environmental Unit, the scheme is designed to ensure that heating and hot water appliances are in good working order before the cold weather sets in.
After a free gas service, elderly people will receive annual reminders and be given the opportunity to get appliances serviced again at a subsidised rate.
The Kirklees Anchor Staying Put service works across Kirklees to adapt and improve older people’s houses so that they can continue living independently in their own homes, rather than moving into residential care.
The agency can also help with small adaptations, such as hand rails and grab rails to prevent falls and extra security including door chains and spy holes.
Manager Victoria Mager said: “This is a great service which will help vulnerable older people to live safely and in warmth in their homes this winter.
“We’re delighted to have received the funding from Kirklees Council and already this year our Corgi registered contractor has helped more than 120 older people with subsidised gas servicing, ensuring that their gas appliances are safe this winter.”
To qualify for the service, older people must be aged over 60, be a home-owner and be in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as pension credit or council tax benefit.
