Scheme Name:

Telecare "extreme temperature sensors" project

Key objectives of scheme:

The lives of many older people in Newcastle could be saved this winter thanks to a new partnership between the npower Health Through Warmth project and the Community Care Alarm Service ("CCAS") at Your Homes Newcastle.

The partners have agreed to install hi-tech sensors in the homes of CCAS customers whose health is at risk due to cold winter weather.

The sensor triggers an alarm if room temperature falls below a critical level. This alarm is linked to a 24-hour team of CCAS staff, who can send a Mobile Warden to deliver temporary heaters in emergency situations.

At first the sensors will be available for people aged 80 and over who have suffered from a stroke, heart condition or problems moving around.

CCAS can also refer people to Health Through Warmth for advice on keeping warm, saving money on energy bills, and accessing support to insulate their homes

Approximate costs involved in scheme:

Temperature sensors were funded by Health Through Warmth.

Partners organisations involved:

Your Homes Newcastle, nPower, National Energy Action, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle Primary Care Trust

Length of time scheme has been running:

Winter 2009

Key Benefits of Scheme:

Following emergency responses, clients are given advice about keeping warm, cutting fuel costs and accessing funding for improvements to their home insulation and heating. Newcastle's rate of chronic illness is higher than the UK average and a staggering 36% of the population live in fuel poverty, so the partnership represents a major breakthrough for health in the area: nationally, the area accounts for a very high proportion of 'excess winter deaths' with over 200 unnecessary deaths last winter alone.

Any other relevant information:

Health Through Warmth was set up by nPower in partnership with the NHS and National Energy Action, to tackle fuel poverty and reduce cold-related illness.

Contact name for further information:

Lewis Kirkbride

Contact telephone number:

0191 278 8695

Contact email:

Lewis.kirkbride@yhn.org.uk