Maintaining Independence
Heating Your Home
Staying safe while keeping warm
For your own safety you need to make sure your heating system is in good working order. Heating systems can be very dangerous if not properly maintained.
- Have your gas/coal fired cooking and heating appliances serviced annually by a gas safety registered (opens in a new tab) or HETAS (opens in a new tab) engineer
- Fit an approved carbon monoxide alarm
- Do not sleep in a bedroom with a paraffin heater or gas fire without a flue
Keeping warm in winter
It is essential to keep warm particularly during the cold winter months.
Keep Warm Keep Well is a new campaign to support people across Pembrokeshire during the cost of living crisis.
The campaign is being led by the Pembrokeshire Community Hub in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services and a variety of agencies including Hywel Dda Health Board, Emergency Services and the Voluntary Sector.
The cost of living crisis affects everyone and it is a worrying and uncertain time for so many people. Therefore, work is taking place to connect people to local information, support and services over the coldest months of the year.
Across Pembrokeshire we are already seeing communities and organisations doing a fantastic job responding to the crisis offering a range of local solutions including hot meals and community activities, plus energy, money and debt advice.
If you or people you know are experiencing financial hardship or would like information about what support is available in your area, you can get in contact with the Pembrokeshire Community Hub.
They can talk to you about your situation and put you in touch with the right community group or service – as there is a lot of help available both in Pembrokeshire and across Wales. They have also created an online one-stop-shop through the Connect Pembrokeshire (opens in a new tab) website which has lots of useful information and an interactive map of Warm Welcome spaces across the county.
Welcome Warm spaces offer welcoming places where people can meet with others in their local community and take part in a range of activities.
If you are worried about making your money stretch and how you are going to pay for essential bills over the winter, we’d really encourage you to get in contact with the Pembrokeshire Community Hub. No-one should feel uncomfortable about getting in touch and we have a really friendly team who can chat to you about some of the fantastic community support that is local to you.
We have an easy ‘one call that’s all’ approach, call 01437 723660, or you can email enquiries@pembrokeshirecommunityhub.org
The Department of Health Guide Keep Warm Keep Well (opens in a new tab) provides information about staying well in the winter by keeping warm.
Assistance With Heating Costs
If you are struggling with your winter fuel costs, you should speak to your energy provider in the first place.
Advice & support
Age Cymru (opens in a new tab) - publish the Help with Heating Costs in Wales (opens in a new tab) and Save Energy, Pay Less (opens in a new tab) factsheets.
Care & Repair (opens in a new tab) - may be able to support with identifying ways of reducing your heating bills or to access relevant grants if you live in your own home or are a private tenant.
Citizens Advice (opens in a new tab) - offer advice about what to do if you are struggling to pay your energy bills.
Energy Saving Trust (opens in a new tab) - offer free and impartial advice to help lower emissions and cut energy bill costs.
Financial assistance
British Gas Energy Trust (opens in a new tab) - The Trust helps families and individuals experiencing hardship who are struggling with gas and electricity debts by awarding grants to clear those debts.
NEST (opens in a new tab) - offers a range of free, impartial advice if you own your own home or rent privately, and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating or insulation. This can lower your energy bills and benefit your health and wellbeing.
Warm Home Discount Scheme (opens in a new tab) - A UK Government scheme which offers money off your energy bill.
You may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments (opens in a new tab) and/or Cold Weather Payments (opens in a new tab).
Third Party Deductions (opens in a new tab) - A UK Government scheme which enables you to have some of your bills (including rent, services charges, fuel or water bills) paid directly out of your benefits payments if you’re having difficulties.