National Energy Action has launched Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, our GB-wide fuel poverty and health programme. Announced at our evening reception in London in March 2024, it is an evidence-based, multi-year programme. It will connect health professionals and local public health bodies with energy advice and other specialist services. Together we will help people to live in warm and safe homes, and ultimately improve health.
Working closely with our sister charity Energy Action Scotland and supported by gas distribution network:s Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, as well as our delivery partners across England, Wales, and Scotland, the first phase of the programme begins in May.
The energy crisis means we are facing a critical challenge across Great Britain. Too many individuals and families are trapped in homes that should be places of safety but, instead, are health hazards. Cold, damp and energy inefficient houses exacerbate people’s existing medical conditions, leading to health inequalities.
Our collaborative programme will be coordinated nationally, and delivered locally in communities, where there is high need and limited existing support.
Warm Homes, Healthy Futures will address the root causes of fuel poverty
We will offer essential services such as energy advice, income maximisation, servicing, and home improvements. But the programme is bigger, more ambitious, than just rolling out our existing services. By addressing the root causes of fuel poverty and targeting those most vulnerable, we aim to make a tangible difference to tens of thousands of people’s lives. And we plan to leave a lasting legacy.
Adam Scorer, Chief Executive at National Energy Action says:
‘The importance of this programme goes far beyond the individual packages of support and measures that National Energy Action can deliver. It is also the vital collaborations, lines of communications and partnerships – nationally and locally – that makes this programme distinctive. Not isolated pilots, but something that engages health professionals, local delivery bodies and energy support at scale; that values the lessons about how you develop, value and sustain collaboration and how you elevate the health implications of fuel poverty across the health system and with policy makers.
Mark Belmega, Director of Social Purpose and Sustainability, at Cadent said: ‘We are at the heart of so many communities and every day, our colleagues enter thousands of people’s homes helping to keep them safe, warm and connected. However, doing our day job is simply not enough right now. So, we must act to support those that have been impacted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. We cannot alleviate this alone! Working collaboratively with charities like National Energy Action, as well as our colleagues from across the other Gas Distribution Networks, we can drive and deliver projects that will make an important impact on customers living in the most vulnerable situations.’
Mark Horsley, CEO, Northern Gas Networks, said: ‘As a gas network based at the heart of the region that we serve, we have a responsibility to ensure that people are safe and warm in their homes both now and in the long term and to work with our partners to help create healthier communities throughout the North.
‘We’re delighted to be working with National Energy Action and the other UK gas distribution networks to lead ‘Warm Homes, Healthy Futures’, our most ambitious collaborative project to date, which will help to understand and address the root causes of fuel poverty and target those who need support most, improving the quality of life for thousands of people living not just here in the North, but throughout the UK.’
Mark Wild OBE, CEO at SGN, said: ‘Everyone at SGN is committed to looking out for the most vulnerable, making sure their homes are safe, warm, and support their wellbeing. We’re excited to be teaming up with National Energy Action and local healthcare providers to help people dealing with health issues worsened by cold homes. This partnership brings together our knowledge, resources, and determination to make a genuine difference for the most vulnerable people in our communities. By working together and combining our knowledge in health and dealing with fuel poverty, we’re tackling the cause head on. Our goal is to ease fuel poverty’s harmful effects on health and wellness, and leave a lasting mark by integrating our efforts into healthcare services.’
Fuel poverty has a hugely negative impact on health
Frazer Scott from Energy Action Scotland says: ‘Fuel Poverty has a hugely negative impact on the health of those on lowest incomes, people with essential medical needs, disabled people, older households, families with very young children, and by collaborating we can make a difference. Each winter, when people are unable to heat and power their homes, we see shocking and unnecessary declines in health resulting in high levels of deaths, falling life expectancy, and rising infant mortality. A collaborative cross-nation approach means that we can have not only a direct impact on the lives of people in Scotland, but we will learn and influence policy makers, at Westminster and Holyrood to ensure fairer outcomes through lasting change. Change that eliminates fuel poverty and the health impacts caused by it.’
The strategic partnerships and collaboration of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures will mean that together we can create a brighter, healthier future for all.
Contact information
For media enquiries please contact Anna Cook, Head of Communications and Campaigns: anna.cook@nea.org.uk.
To find out more about how you or your organisation can be involved contact Danielle Butler, Project Development Manager: danielle.butler@nea.org.uk.
