Awareness of a scheme to help keep vulnerable people warm, including those in Wiltshire, is being raised during Vascular Disease Week which runs from March 17-23.

The npower Health Through Warmth scheme helps homeowners with long-term illnesses, including circulatory conditions such as vascular disease, with the funding and installation of heating systems. 

The scheme works closely with charities, local authorities and home improvement agencies to deliver support and raise awareness of the vital role that a warm home has on a person’s wellbeing.

Last year, npower Health Through Warmth installed £4 million worth of heating and insulation measures in the homes of vulnerable people across England and Wales and is now encouraging people with long-term illnesses to find out whether they could be eligible for assistance.

Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, said: "National awareness campaigns, such as Vascular Disease Week, provide vital information and advice about serious health conditions and the help that is on hand to those affected. 

"This March, and throughout the year, we want to encourage people to contact us to see if they are eligible for help.”

Help from npower Health Through Warmth may be available to vulnerable homeowners who have long term and cold-related illnesses, a low income with little or no savings and who are unable to fully fund measures, such as a new boiler or heating system.

They do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.

Health Through Warmth was set up in 2000 by npower, in partnership with National Energy Action (NEA) - the national fuel poverty charity.

Since being founded, more than 82,000 vulnerable residents in England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for aid with heating and insulation.

For more information about Health Through Warmth, or to find out if you or someone you know could be eligible for help, visit www.healththroughwarmth.com