Living in a warm, dry, and sustainable home isn’t just about comfort—it’s a game-changer for your health. Frome is leading the way with a ground-breaking community-led initiative: Green and Healthy Frome via “Healthy Homes.”
The Health-Housing Connection: A Hidden Crisis – substandard living conditions take a toll on health, yet the link between housing and well-being often goes unnoticed. Cold and damp homes cost the NHS an astonishing £1.36 billion annually, affecting millions of lives. From increased risk of strokes and heart attacks to respiratory issues and stress and anxiety, the impact is far-reaching. Dampness and mould even contribute to allergies and asthma. Vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income families—are hit hardest.
Turning Crisis into Opportunity Frome refuses to accept this status quo. In collaboration with Frome Town Council, Edventure, and Frome Medical Practice, Green and Healthy Frome’s “Healthy Homes” scheme is taking action. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund, we’re going above and beyond neighbouring councils.
What “Healthy Homes” Offers:
- Energy Advice Sessions and Home Visits, and Pop-Up Energy Advice (all day) Roadshows: Our experts guide you toward energy-efficient solutions tailored to your property, including funding advice, energy bill and debt management. The next drop-in session is on the 5th June from 10-4pm at Frome Library.
- Free Retrofitting Assessments: Identify areas for improvement and boost your home’s sustainability, this free service can cost up to £900 per survey but is completely free to people living in Frome
- Community Retrofit Talks – sharing resources, advice and knowledge and creating a retrofit community. The next community Retrofit Talk: Retrofit Next Step is on the 11th June from 7.30 – 9pm at Frome Town Hall.
- Thermal Imaging Camera Loans: Pinpoint energy leaks and reduce bills.
- Access to Funding: We signpost you to local funding opportunities and our Energy Advice Team can help you through the process.
- Frome Medical Practice referral scheme – links individuals suffering from substandard living-related illnesses with energy advice and support. This holistic care system treats the root cause as well as the physical symptoms.
“Frome’s ‘Healthy Homes’ is a remarkable initiative that enables us to invest at a grassroots level, knowing that it will have a far-reaching impact. By improving the living conditions of some of our most vulnerable population, we will not only have a happier, healthier and more environmentally friendly community but, the reduction in healthcare costs will help save the NHS money.” Peter Wheelhouse, Deputy Town Clerk and Economic Development & Regeneration Manager at Frome Town Council.
Through ‘Healthy Homes,’ Frome is not only transforming living conditions but also nurturing a healthier, happier community—one where wellbeing and sustainability intersect, creating a brighter future for all.
