Advice to beat the winter blues

Leaflets passing on health tips and advice on gas and electricity bills are to be handed out to Bradford's 90,000 over-60s as part of a Government-backed campaign to keep them warm.

The campaign, organised by Staywarm - a fixed cost electricity and gas scheme for the over-60s - will be launched on Tuesday when its adviser Irene Newbould will be in Silsden talking to the Gloucester Avenue Residents Association.

Campaign co-ordinators want to hear from more community groups and centres so they can arrange more talks over the coming months.

The campaign's Dr Lee Clarke said: "It is totally unacceptable that many people, aged over 60, in Bradford cannot afford to heat their homes adequately and face the cold spell in fear of their winter fuel bill. We want to make sure that as many people as possible know that there is help available."

Professor Ian Philp, of the Department of Health, said it was vital the word was spread.

The Staywarm scheme - powered by TXU Energi and recently acquired by Powergen - means no matter how much energy customers need, they pay a fixed low price which can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly as long as no more than four people live in the house and it has three or fewer bedrooms.

Advisers will also put eligible people in touch with another Government scheme called Warm Front, which can give grants of up to £2,500 for insulation and heating systems in poor energy-efficient homes.

Meanwhile, the charity Age Concern is urging older people to look into available benefits. It also has its own Stay Warm, Stay Fit campaign that gives out advice on how to keep well in the winter.

Age Concern has a scheme - Age Concern Powergen - which it runs to help keep the elderly warm in their homes.

A pack containing information on energy efficiency, grants, staying active and sources of help is available by calling 0800 00 99 66.

l Staywarm can be contacted on 0800 1 694 694.