Deaths in the UK increase by more than 20% during the winter, with those aged over 75 at the greatest risk.
Every year, more than 11 million older people claim the winter fuel payment but millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year. If your home is cold and you’re struggling to pay your fuel bills, you may be entitled to claim.

To find out if you qualify, you can call 08459 151515.

Contact your local Trust shop or office and ask to speak to your local welfare benefits advisor.

You can take some simple steps to make your home more energy efficient, such as closing curtains at night to keep heat in, lagging your hot-water tank (your local Trust shop can organise this for you) and using energy-efficient light bulbs.

If the weather turns very cold, you can stop pipes bursting by leaving your heating switched on to a very low setting overnight or if you’re away for a couple of days. If you’re going to be away for longer, turn off the stop tap and keep all the taps running until the water stops and the system has drained.

Call 0800 085 7000 for a copy of the free leaflet Keep Warm Keep Well, which will give you advice on keeping
warm in winter