GRANADA TV presenter Fred Talbot is supporting a campaign to keep people warm this winter.
The famous weatherman has praised Halton Housing Trust which is helping thousands of families and older people to keep warm and well over the coming months.
In October and November the Trust is teaming up with Age Concern and the Community Food and Health team from Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to give people tips on how to stay warm and safe.
Speaking this week, Fred said: “This is a superb campaign as it is vital that people keep warm.
"Whenever I forecast cold weather I always worry about people keeping warm. There is plenty of advice and help out there so use it, or if you know an elderly person check that they have all the facts."
The ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well’ campaign will see the Halton Community Advice Bus out and about in Runcorn and Widnes.
Trust staff, Age Concern and community food workers will also be on hand to give practical advice and tips that can help save lives as the cold snap takes hold.
The first 50 Halton Housing Trust customers at each event will also be given a ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well’ pack – containing porridge, gloves, slippers, and a thermometer. Those on low incomes will also be given advice on how to apply for free energy monitors.
Noel Sharpe, Director of Customer Services at Halton Housing Trust, said: “Keeping warm this winter is a worry for many families living in Halton. Studies regularly show fuel poverty has risen and many households are struggling to pay bills and have to make sacrifices to keep warm.
“Halton Housing Trust is trying to help by offering useful advice and tips to save our customers money and help keep everyone warm this winter.”
The Community Advice Bus was outside the Halton Direct Link in Runcorn Old Town on Tuesday 13th October 2009, from 10am until 3.00pm.
You can still catch it at the following locations:
Widnes Town Centre on Thursday 22nd October 2009, from 10am until 3.00pm.
The Grange Estate Runcorn on Wednesday 4th November 2009, from 10am until 3.00pm