ENERGY giant npower has launched a scheme to raise awareness of the link between cold homes and ill health.

With the threat of freezing temperatures looming, the Health Through Warmth is working with local organisations in Worcester to remind people they can seek help if they have a long term, cold-related illness, a low income with little or no savings.

The scheme's manager, Elaine Midwinter, said: “This winter has been relatively mild so far and, for many of us, it is not until we experience a cold snap and need to use our heating systems more that they tend to break down.

“However, with freezing temperatures predicted throughout February, we’d like to remind everyone that Health Through Warmth is here to help vulnerable people if they don’t have heating or if it’s broken down.”

The energy company recommends temperatures in homes are kept at 21C for the living room and 18C for bedrooms.

Since the scheme was founded in 2000, more than 82,000 vulnerable residents in England and Wales have been referred to npower Health Through Warmth for aid with heating and insulation.

More than £66million has been levered to help fund the work required, which includes £1.9million from charitable organisations.

In addition, over £8.9million has been contributed from the unique npower Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund.

For more information, go to healththroughwarmth.com.