Helping older people to stay warm this winter

1​3 February 2025

A new service has been launched by Care & Repair Carmarthenshire to help older people across the county stay warm and safe in their homes and keep energy bills down.

The Older Not Colder initiative offers home energy assessments, expert advice and practical support to improve home energy efficiency and reduce heating costs to residents aged 60 and over who either own or privately rent their home.

Care & Repair’s Home Energy Officers will visit and assess homes for free and can assist with access to funding if repairs or improvements are needed.

As part of this initiative, Llesiant Delta Wellbeing has teamed up with Care & Repair to distribute ‘warm bags’ to vulnerable older people in the community. Delta Wellbeing’s response officers will hand out these essential packs during home visits, ensuring that those in need receive both immediate relief and information about the free Older Not Colder service for further support.

The warm bags contain essential winter items including hand warmers, a thermometer, thermal socks, travel mug, hat and gloves, hot water bottle and a large blanket.

Care & Repair Carmarthenshire is dedicated to supporting older people to live in safe, secure, warm and comfortable homes that suit their needs and improve their independence. It offers a number of services to assist older individuals with repairs, improvements and adaptations to their homes, providing expert advice, support and practical assistance.

Delta Wellbeing, a Local Authority Trading Company owned by Carmarthenshire County Council, provides assistive technology and proactive monitoring and support for older and vulnerable people. It also delivers a single point of access for health and social care information and advice across the county.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “This initiative will provide much-needed support to older people in our community, ensuring they stay warm and safe during the winter months. No one should have to choose between heating their home and other essentials, and we are here to help.”

The ‘Older Not Colder’ initiative is funded through Wales & West Utilities’ Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) fund, reinforcing a commitment to keeping vulnerable individuals safe and warm during the colder months.

The service provides:

• Free home visits and assessments
• Advice on improving home energy efficiency
• Guidance for those struggling with energy bills
• Support in accessing the Warm Homes Programme
• Assistance in claiming eligible benefits
• Help in applying for grants to keep homes warm

To request a free visit, call Care & Repair Carmarthenshire on 01554 744300.