Innovative HeatSavers scheme to be presented at national conference

The highly-exciting HeatSavers scheme, that was led by Shropshire Council and saw adult services and public health work with Age UK and Marches Energy Agency, has been accepted to be presented at the Public Health England Annual Conference 2015.

The HeatSavers scheme was designed to tackle the effects felt by the vulnerable through the winter months. Its main aim was to reduce, or even prevent, the onset of cold-related disease; an aim that has been achieved to the delight of all those involved.

Shropshire Council took a lead role in the scheme, but it was thanks to the dedicated help of its partners that allowed the full potential of the scheme to be recognised.

The Public Health England Annual Conference will this year be taking place at Warwick University on Tuesday 15-Wednesday 16 September 2015.

The scheme was designed with the sole aim of saving lives and preventing individuals becoming isolated. However, it has the added benefit of reducing the burden on public health, adult services, housing and NHS services.

The scheme reached out to 320 people and nearly £1 million was saved by the NHS and other societies as a direct result of the interventions made by HeatSavers. It was found that for every £1 spent on heating interventions, £4 was returned in savings.

Thanks to the use of a multi-agency partnership, the resources of these organisations could be utilised. Marches Energy Agency, for example, provided alternative services for those who only required simple changes to their homes.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, said:

“The scheme is clearly a fantastic initiative that has seen a very successful year. The lives of Shropshire’s citizens are a priority for everyone at the council, and this scheme has helped to free up the burden placed on the NHS and other vital services. A special thanks must be given to the public health team, Age UK and Marches Energy Agency. Shropshire Council brought together these parties, but the scheme could not have been as successful as it was without their co-operation.”

Stephen Chandler, Shropshire Council’s director of adult services, added:

“It’s great to see our teams’ work being credited. They have worked extremely hard on the scheme within the multi-agency partnership, and more than likely saved lives in the process. It just further emphasises the dedication Shropshire Council shows to helping those who need it.”

For more information on the Public Health England Annual Conference, visit the website at www.phe-events.org.uk/pheac2015.