Helping residents with housing support service
A range of support is available this winter for Oxfordshire residents with health conditions through Oxfordshire County Council’s Better Housing, Better Health Service.
People with long-term health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD) and high blood pressure can get advice and support to help sort out housing problems that may make their health worse from the service.
The service aims to support residents keep their homes safe and warm. It can also refer those who need it for further social and financial support to help people stay in their own homes for longer.
Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We know good housing is critical for good health. Winter months can be particularly stressful for those in poor-quality housing, which can exacerbate health conditions. Those who live in the poorest quality housing are more likely to suffer from health problems, such as respiratory issues.
“With the ongoing cost of living crisis, we’re all feeling a little nervous about what this winter may bring. We hope that this service, which can provide people who may need it most with vital home improvements, can go one step towards helping residents to stay safe, warm, and healthy.”
The service has supported 1,592 households and made over 200 visits to people's homes since 1 January 2022.
The help offered can be immediate and short-term such as emergency fuel vouchers for those on prepayment meters, or long-term, such as getting insulation or a new heating system.
The service can also help residents to understand their energy bills and the support and benefits they may be entitled to.
Jayne Yuruker, Community Link Worker at Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “It's wonderful to have such a great resource in our county. When I make referrals, the service responds to clients quickly and offers support both over the phone and in person. It has a wealth of knowledge, which has directly benefited my clients and I look forward to continuing to work with the team.”
Learn more about the work of Better Housing Better Health, including how to access support, by visiting bhbh.org.uk or ring 0800 107 0044.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.