Improving the use of energy in buildings Better Housing, Better Health SECAN Forum – 24th February 2016 Alex Steeland 1

Outline Aims and objectives Approach Progress to date Opportunities and barriers Learning so far

Aims and objectives Improving health and wellbeing Maintaining independence Preventing mental and physical ill health

Aims and objectives

Aims and objectives

Aims and objectives

Approach £412,500 funding from the British Gas Energy Trust: 2 Citizens Advice caseworkers – measurable outcomes for 500 residents £200,000 for energy efficiency measures Free surveys of properties Training 150 frontline health and social care staff Outreach events to engage 2,000 residents

Who is it for? Residents in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (excluding Milton Keynes) Respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease Homeowners are eligible for the grant; homeowners and private tenants are eligible for a free survey; anyone with a respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease is eligible for support from Citizens Advice

How does it work? Referrals from a health or social care professional with access to verified health information BHBH referral form – downloadable from www.nef.org.uk/bhbh

What happens next? Benefits checks / switching / fuel debt mediation Signed referral form sent to NEF NEF contacts householder Home visit from a local authority officer NEF agrees measures with householder NEF arranges installation Installation—grant paid direct to installer Benefits checks / switching / fuel debt mediation

Progress to date 46 referrals received 78% referrals from GPs 29 home surveys completed 74 referrals to Citizens Advice 5 training sessions delivered

Opportunities and barriers Buckinghamshire health links Capacity in some local authorities Existing Affordable Warmth Network Range of partners Oxfordshire health links Wycombe Healthy Homes on Prescription

Learning so far Referrals can require changing mindsets What measures should be eligible NHS processes and requirements People referred are high users of health services Average grants likely to exceed £1,000

Next steps Project runs until December 2016 Seeking funding to continue the scheme post-2016 and potential to expand to other areas

Questions?

Better Housing, Better Health Project Manager Thank you Alex Steeland Better Housing, Better Health Project Manager DD 01908 354547 Alexandra.Steeland@nef.org.uk