WITH temperatures dropping, many of Brentwood's residents will be reaching for the thermostat.

Energy firm npower has launched its Health Through Warmth scheme and is raising awareness of the impact that warmth in the home can have on health and wellbeing.

The scheme works with a range of community organisations, charities and local authorities to assist vulnerable homeowners with the funding and installation or repair of crucial heating measures in the home. P

eople may qualify for help if they have a long term illness, a low income with little or no savings and are unable to fully fund measures, such as a new boiler, themselves.

Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, said: "With Autumn now in full force, it’s important that people take action to ensure their health and wellbeing are not impacted by cold temperatures at home.

"Residents in Brentwood should check that their heating system is in full working order now to reduce the risk of it breaking down when the winter months really take a hold. This is especially important for vulnerable residents in the community, who have long term illnesses." 

Since being founded in 2000, more than 84,000 vulnerable residents across England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for assistance with heating and insulation.

Eligible residents do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.