Northern Investing for Health Partnership

With the country in recession and the rapid rise in unemployment in the Cookstown area, it is no surprise that experts are predicting the number of households in fuel poverty to have doubled over the last 3 years.

Fuel poverty is the situation when a household has to spend more than 10% of its income to maintain an acceptable level of temperature throughout the home. Cookstown has the Third Highest rate of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. 

In response the local Cookstown Warm Homes Group, have been working hard to combat the impact of fuel poverty and on Monday 9^th November they showcased their work at an event in the Council offices. Guests at the event were informed of the programmes and projects designed by the Cookstown Warmer Homes Group to tackle Fuel Poverty in the District. The Warmer Homes Group was established with the support of Cookstown District Council in 2007. It is a voluntary group made up of elected representatives, council officers and representatives from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors, all with a vested interest in improving the health and wellbeing of Cookstown residents. The group have designed a work plan of projects and programmes, taking direction from the Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Strategy.  

Oil Stamp Scheme 

In October 2008 Cookstown District Council launched the Cookstown Oil Stamp Scheme. This Scheme allows householders to purchase £5 stamps which can be saved and used as payment for their home heating oil. The Scheme has allowed householders to budget for the oil and ease the financial burden by spreading the cost. To date £105,520 oils stamps have been distributed throughout the District.  

Grants 

Officers have also been working tirelessly to promote the various energy efficiency grants that Cookstown residents can avail of. These grants include free insulation and oil heating system measures for households in need. In the past year 78 households in the District have benefited from these grants.  

Energy Efficiency Checks & Advice 4 Health 

In addition, the Council have employed an Energy Efficiency Advisor whose specific role is to provide Free Energy Efficiency checks to any householder who would like to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and make savings on their energy bills. The Programme links with the Public Health Agency’s – Advice for Health Workers, to ensure a seamless delivery in providing benefit and energy efficiency advice to vulnerable households. 

At the event Cllr. Tony Quinn, Cookstown Chairman commended the Group for the wide range of programmes that they were currently taking forward and commented:- 

"It is estimated that over 1,300 older people die each year in Northern Ireland, as a result of cold weather related illnesses. 
But it is not just the older members of our society that suffer. Young children and those who are disabled, often suffer lifelong bronchial and respiratory related illnesses, due to exposure to cold and damp conditions in early life. So this is an issue for everyone."

If you would like more information on any of the schemes mentioned, contact the  Environmental Health Department, Cookstown District Council on 028 8676 2205 or email envhealth@cookstown.gov.uk. Or check out the Council website at www.cookstown.gov.uk 

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