Public health news: Social determinants of health
In this edition we're talking about fuel poverty and updating on the healthy homes pilot scheme.
Public Health Newsletter: September 2023
Fuel poverty is being unable to afford to heat a home to the temperature needed to keep warm.
Cold homes can cause or worsen a range of health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, bronchitis, and asthma.
Cold homes are also preventing children from thriving.
There is a healthy homes pilot currently taking place in the Simonside & Rekendyke and Biddick & All Saints wards which is going well.
Social Prescribers are working with residents who are at risk because of where they live, their age, underlying medical conditions and / or lifestyle. These residents are being offered an assessment across a range of areas, then sign posted to the organisations that can best help them. The pilot is being evaluated by Northumbria University.
Alongside the pilot, a training programme starts in September for a range of front-line staff, community organisations and volunteers to raise awareness of fuel poverty and how to signpost residents for affordable warm support.
It is good to know that as we approach winter there is already a lot of support available, such as:
The Wise Group - email heat@thewisegroup.co.uk (with 'HEAT ST23' in the subject line)
The ECO4 programme for eligible homes
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Safe and Well Check