CIVIC chiefs are urging vulnerable families to take advantage of a scheme that will help to keep their homes warm this Christmas.

Now in its eighth year, Hampshire County Council’s Hitting the Cold Spots initiative offers advice and support to people who are having trouble staying warm during the winter. This includes home visits, help to access funding for boiler repairs, and replacements and temporary heating.

County residents can also receive advice about tariff switching, the Warm Home Discount, and get referred to other services for further help, including ‘safe and well’ visits and healthy living advice.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, the authority’s member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Keeping warm is about far more than just being comfortable – it’s an essential part of keeping healthy.

“Cold weather can present a very real risk of serious health problems, especially for older people, the very young and those with long term medical conditions.

“If anyone is struggling to keep warm this winter, I urge them to pick up the phone and call the Hitting the Cold Spots team, who will be happy to help.”

Some of the services provided by this county-wide “affordable warmth” project have eligibility criteria, but the phone advice line is open to all Hampshire residents. The advisers will be able to talk through the best possible solutions for each caller.

Since the start of Hitting the Cold Spots in 2011, more than 3,000 households have benefitted from the advice and information provided by the team. In this financial year, more than 250 Hampshire households have already received support.

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay warm and well this winter, contact an adviser on 0800 804 8601 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email staywarm@environmentcentre.com.