The Leicestershire Warm Homes Training and Support Service For Leicestershire Warm Homes -Public Health Department, Leicestershire County Council 2017-19

There is a substantial and growing body of evidence on the detrimental impact of fuel poverty and cold homes on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of young and older people. Health impacts caused by cold homes predominantly relate to cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Low temperatures also diminish resistance to infection and encourage damp and mould growth in the home. Cold indoor conditions have also been linked to poor mental health resulting from anxiety and stress. Social isolation can be exacerbated where the home does not present a welcoming environment and there is evidence that cold homes can reduce educational attainment. Advice and support and practical heating and insulation improvements can help address all of these problems.

The principle aim of this service is to support Leicestershire Warm Homes (First Contact Plus) to reduce the numbers of people living with preventable ill health and people dying prematurely whilst reducing the gap between communities and social isolation. The service will support the Warm Homes Officer who will deliver energy advice and auditing services as part of First Contact Plus.

The initial contract period will be for 23 months, with the option to extend for up to a further period(s) totalling 11 months. The annual budget for provision of this service is £25,000 per annum.