Beating the new year cold snap
The most severe snow and cold weather in 50 years has made it particularly difficult for older and vulnerable people to get out and about and to keep warm and well this January. Snow and ice has made it dangerous to leave the home and freezing conditions have meant plummeting temperatures.
To help support our customers Salix Homes made more than 1500 phone calls to customers who we knew were older or vulnerable to make sure they were managing in the cold weather. We spoke directly to more than 1200 people and braved the big freeze to carry out 84 visits to provide shopping and pick up prescriptions and provide temporary heating where people needed it.
We also held "Keep warm, Keep well" events at 4 of our sheltered housing schemes. At the events people were able to collect a free blanket and thermometer and get financial advice on things such as cold weather payments and winter fuel payments. We were also supported by the council's affordable warmth team who gave out light bulbs and thermometers and Age Concern who gave advice about their services.
The events were all well attended and in total 112 people came from the schemes and the local community. We were also able to deliver blankets to a further 117 customers direct to their homes for those unable to get to the events.
Councillor Derek Antrobus praised the support offered during this challenging time, stating "I have had excellent reports of the response of Salix Homes to the weather conditions - thank you to you and your staff for your dedication to the residents."
Chair of the Salix Homes Customer Senate added: "A number of our customers made very positive and grateful comments on the extraordinary work, help, support and advice given to our elderly and vulnerable customers, during the recent bad weather.
Customers across Salix have commented to me how caring and dedicated our staff really are and how "going the extra mile" has made a real difference."
Vera Pearce of Kersal was one of a number of residents who welcomed the support saying ‘ I'd like to thank Salix for the wonderful support I have received during the bad weather period. I received phone calls asking if everything is ok which I think was a very good idea"
Here's what some more of you had to say…
"Thank you for the phone call my mother received during the recent bad weather. I was away from home myself at the time and am very grateful that Salix Homes were concerned for her health and safety."
Linda Barnes
"Thanks for picking up my medication during the severe weather last week, and for dropping off a warm blanket too."
Mrs Elsie Brabiner
Thank you for the wonderful support I have received during the bad weather period, I recieved phone calls asking if everything is ok - it was a very good idea!"
Mrs Vera Pearce
