A host of charities and voluntary agencies gathered with residents of Westfield Memorial Village in Lancaster yesterday, for the launch of Guinness Northern Counties’ ‘Snug as a Bug’ campaign, the housing provider’s affordable warmth project which will help them to identify and help residents who are struggling with fuel costs this winter.
Age UK, Help Direct, Barclays, CAP (Christians Against Poverty), LESS and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service all had their part to play, offering information and advice on staying warm whilst keeping bills down. Visitors could also access details of grants and offers that may be available as well as sharing tasty recipes to help stay warm and healthy through the cold winter months.
Over 20 local residents attended the presentation held at Westfield House, staying on for a hot drinks, mince pies and traditional stollen, all provided by Guinness Northern Counties. There was also a raffle and ‘warm bag’ for each resident to take home with them, containing useful winter items such as thermos mugs, hot chocolate sachets, cuppa soups and ice scrapers.
The campaign, which will see on-going support to residents of Westfield Memorial Village involving tailored support visits through the winter, was funded by The Guinness Partnership.
Harriet Cooper, one of the assistant housing officers with Guinness Northern Counties and the brains behind the campaign, said at the event: “The day was really successful and hopefully we have managed to raise awareness of the health risks and problems caused by fuel poverty and we will continue to provide support to those who need it.”
Guinness Northern Counties owns and manages over 600 properties in the Lancaster area.