Did you know that living in a warm, dry and sustainable home can significantly improve your health? It’s true! Not only that, but the associated health problems of substandard living conditions are a huge financial burden on the NHS ‒ yet the link between housing and health is often overlooked.
Cold and damp homes cost the NHS a staggering £1.36 billion a year, according to Age UK. The health impacts of substandard housing range from respiratory problems to weakened immune systems, increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, and raised levels of stress and anxiety, negatively impacting mental health. Damp and mould in the home are also linked to higher rates of allergies and asthma. And those most at risk? The elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income families with young children.
BRE Group’s analysis from 2023 found that for every £1 spent on warming the homes of vulnerable households, £4 is made back in health benefits. The realisation of the impact of poorly insulated and inadequately heated homes has on the environment, our health, our bank balances, and our public services ignited Frome into action. Run in partnership with Frome Town Council, Edventure and Frome Medical Practice, Green and Healthy Frome’s, Healthy Homes’ scheme is setting out to rectify this crisis. And, thanks to funding from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund, we are committed to going above and beyond the initiatives of neighbouring councils to offer free practical support, resources and advice to everyone who needs it.
The Healthy Homes team offers Energy Advice Sessions and home visits, free retrofitting assessments, and advice tailored to your property, including the loan of a thermal imaging camera to help you identify where you can save energy and reduce your bills. We can also help you access funding to make your home more energy efficient, provide information and advice on managing your heating bills and debts, and share tips on how to stay warm and well at home.
We also have a referral system in place at Frome Medical Practice to link individuals with energy advice and support. This holistic approach aims to tackle the root causes of cold and damp-related illnesses as well as providing the medical care the patient needs.
Come along to one of our pop-up Energy Advice Sessions on 29th April to find out how we can help you look after your health, lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. These will run at Frome Job Centre from 10 am to 4 pm, and at Trinity Hall from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Alternatively, join us at the Community Retrofit Talk at Frome Town Hall on the 30th of April from 7.30 pm to 9 pm. Together, we can make Frome homes healthier.
