Staying warm and well – free schemes

Groundwork have free schemes running across Manchester to help people reduce their energy bills and stay warm and well:

LEAP: a fuel poverty outreach service delivered locally by Groundwork that offers energy advice, free small measures such as LED bulbs, tariff switching, and support with maximising income and reducing debt. Households will be referred for larger energy efficiency measures where appropriate and also to relevant partners for other beneficial services such Fire Service ‘Safe and Well’ checks. Eligibility is very broad and you can refer a household at www.applyforleap.org.uk or by calling 0800 060 7567.

HEART: A white goods replacement service that can swap old and inefficient fridges, freezers and washing machines for new, efficient models for free. HEART is accessed through the LEAP scheme and the eligibility criteria are the same.

ECHO: an emergency boiler repair and replacement scheme. Fuel poor and vulnerable homeowners that have a broken gas boiler and are therefore in a ‘no heat’ situation may be eligible for repair or replacement free of charge within ten working days. Eligibility is more restricted for ECHO than LEAP contact LEAP on 0800 060 7567 to make a referral for a home visit where the Groundwork Green Doctor will complete an ECHO assessment with the customer.

Warm Homes Fund: A Greater Manchester scheme that can provide a fully-funded gas central heating system for owner-occupiers that do not currently have one i.e. if they heat their home with old storage heaters, room heaters, open fires, etc. Privately rented households can also receive an installation if the landlord is willing to make a small contribution. The scheme can provide a free gas connection for both homeowners and private tenants if the property does not already have one. Eligibility for this scheme is achieved through a household (a) being on qualifying benefits or (b) being on a low income and having high energy costs and/or vulnerability to living in a cold home. More information can be found at: www.warmhomes.org.uk or by calling 0800 038 5737.

These schemes will run throughout the winter and for further advice or support with these schemes contact Suzanne Barningham, Energyworks Manager on 0161 785 7416 / 0773 963 5453, or email: [email protected] or contact the Energyworks team on 0161 785 7416.