Free winter warmer packs to help vulnerable households tackle the cold

Each pack contains a range of items to help people keep warm this winter such as socks, gloves, hat, scarf, hot water bottle, blanket and a thermal flask mug

Older people and those living in vulnerable situations across Greater Manchester are being given extra support to stay warm and well during the winter months thanks to funding from the Cadent Foundation and community action charity, Groundwork.

2,500 winter warmer packs for those most in need have been produced as part of a three-year strategic partnership between the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork. The packs will be distributed via local food banks and community hubs in towns and cities across the UK, including Greater Manchester. Each pack contains a range of items to help people keep warm this winter such as socks, gloves, hat, scarf, hot water bottle, blanket and a thermal flask mug.

ONS figures revealed there were an estimated 28,300 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2019/20, 19.6% higher than the previous year. Respiratory diseases accounted for almost 40% of all excess winter deaths and according to fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, 8,500 were due to cold homes, a statistic that is likely to increase this year.

Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme provides energy saving advice that helps people to keep warm, well, and save money by reducing energy bills.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “It’s vital that the most vulnerable households in our society have access to much needed support offered by Groundwork’s Green Doctors to help people take back control of their energy usage and stay warm and well this winter. Small changes can have a big impact and we are pleased that the winter warmer packs will provide additional, practical support to help those in need.”

“Fuel poverty is also a major factor in our ability to cope with disease. Living in a dangerously cold home increases the risk of heart attacks, respiratory illness, pneumonia and affects mental health, which means finding cost effective ways of keeping people warm is essential. Small changes can have a big impact and these winter warmer packs – backed up by practical advice from our Green Doctors - will help some of the most vulnerable in our society keep warm and well during the cold weather.”

Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “This is the second year we have funded the Winter Warmer Packs and we’re delighted to once again work alongside Groundwork to provide practical support to those who need it most, especially after the great feedback we received last year. Many vulnerable households are facing even bleaker challenges as we head into winter with the ongoing fuel crisis and rising energy costs, it’s reassuring to know these packs will help make a real difference at such a difficult time.

“This grant is just another stage in the wider partnership between the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork, which has seen the charity’s Green Doctor programme rolled out in numerous locations across the UK in 2021.”

The Cadent Foundation is funded by local gas network Cadent and has been established to support projects that help people living in vulnerable situations and disadvantaged communities.

For more information, as well as tips and advice on keeping your home warm this winter visit the Green Doctors programme page on the Groundwork web site.