Dorset Energy Advice Centre (DEAC) have recently announced their backing and support to a national initiative called The Big Heat.
This campaign fund encourages those that can afford to, to donate part or all of their winter fuel allowance to The Big Heat fund.
Shockingly, according to published figures, over 100 people in Bournemouth and Poole died last year due to cold weather related illnesses. The mortality figures for the South West were 2,500 deaths!!
Phil Neale, Director of Dorset Energy Advice Centre says “These figures are absolutely shocking and completely unnecessary in this day and age, we’re talking about just a 6 to 10 week period of cold weather! So we’re encouraging everyone to get behind and help us support this initiative.”
Phil goes on to explain more about how the campaign works, “The Winter Fuel Payment is paid automatically to all eligible older people. For many people, this is a vital payment. But if anyone feels that they’d like to give some or all of the Payment to help other local older people, please contact the Dorset Energy Advice Centre on 01202 469907 or contact The Big Heat project direct on 01202 292255.
Nationally the scheme has achieved endorsement and backing from Dame Joan Bakewell and Sir Terry Wogan plus many others – all with the main aim of combating fuel poverty amongst the elderly.
Phil adds one final point “Please help us to support this initiative if you can, and if you are able to, please contact us today regarding leaflets and information packs that can be passed on to friends and family members who might also consider supporting this campaign with us.”
For more information contact DEAC on 01202 469907 or 0800 975 0166 or visit www.deac.co.uk. DEAC also offer extensive help to the elderly who may be suffering down to the current cold snap, again anyone want to know more about fuel bills, heating costs, or general help and advice on keeping warm contact DEAC immediately on the numbers provided.
If you would like to find out more about Dorset Energy Advice Centre or would like to interview Phil Neale, please contact Darren Northeast of Spiral MPR (working on behalf of Dorset Energy Advice Centre) on 01202 676762 or darren@spiralmpr.co.uk.
