COLD homes are a major factor contributing to two out of five extra winter deaths in elderly people.

For every degree drop in temperature during the winter, there are sadly 8,000 extra deaths.

A poorly insulated and draughty house can often be at the root of this.

However, this is plainly avoidable and doesn’t always have to happen - there are many measures we can take to help save energy and pay less.

At Age UK South Lakeland, we acknowledge the importance of a warm and affordable home.

Warm houses help us stay healthy, safe and comfortable. As a consequence, we are running several practical initiatives to reduce the risks to older people in our area.

Our trained officers offer a wide range of energy efficiency advice, while being able to help find a better deal on energy bills and maximise income through grants and allowances.

We also provide recommendations for draught-proofing equipment which can sometimes be provided and installed free of charge.

Draughts in the home act like unwanted ventilation shafts, allowing cold air to seep in and hot air to escape.

Draught-proofing is one of the most effective ways to cut energy costs and to stay warm at home as temperatures begin to drop again.

The concept is simple - stop cold air coming in and prevent warm air escaping from your house.

Please, make a positive difference to your home and protect your health today – access our energy advice and draught proofing service by calling Age UK South Lakeland on: 030 300 30003.