With cold weather still dragging on, a unique partnership between Sutton Council, community nurses, the Citizens Advice Bureaux and Ecolocal is helping vulnerable people survive sub-zero conditions.

Sutton Council’s Warm Rooms project uses a £72,000 Department of Health grant to provide emergency assistance to sick, elderly and vulnerable residents living in properties that are poorly-prepared for winter weather.

And an innovative tie-in with community nurses now means that people in desperate need can be quickly identified and helped.

Cllr Heather Honour, Vice Chair of Sutton Council’s Adult Social Services and Health Committee, said: “Warm Rooms could be a real lifesaver.

“This unique project not only offers vital and timely help, but also provides real value-for-money for the borough as it is funded by a grant from the National Health Service.”

Once people in need are identified, through referrals from health workers or the council’s own meals on wheels service or by getting in touch themselves, an expert visits to assess their needs.

The CAB is informed so they can check that residents are claiming the right benefits and the home check flags up what needs to be done immediately to make people more comfortable.

Matt Willetts, Warm Rooms Project Manager, said: “It can be really simple things like checking sofas aren’t pushed up against radiators and that ventilation is adequate. They are little things, but they can save lives.”

The authority can then provide help including draught proofing, lined curtains, thermal clothing and warm bedding to help vulnerable people survive the worst of the cold weather.

Once the emergency help is in place, residents can then be referred to other council departments and agencies which can provide longer-term help and advice with issues such as insulation and boilers.

To access help call 020 8770 5070 or email warmroom@sutton.gov.uk