2006 Big Tick winner

Big Tick winner in 2006

Big Tick Winner

RWE npower - Health Through Warmth

BUPA Healthy Communities Award 2006 supported by the Department of Health

Health Through Warmth (HTW) is a practical scheme, launched in 2000, which helps to alleviate the health problems experienced by vulnerable people resulting from, or exacerbated by, cold, damp living conditions. Once clients are identified Area Coordinators facilitate appropriate installation of domestic energy efficiency measures and heating, also providing related advice and information.

Processes

HTW trains community workers so they can make referrals to HTW Area Coordinators who provide related advice and information and facilitate appropriate assistance.

HTW areas were selected using criteria based on fuel poverty, deprivation figures and partner commitment. HTW operates in 12 of the most deprived areas in England, addressing health and housing inequality issues and improving quality of life.

Strong regional partnerships have been developed and feedback is always invited. In 2005, all HTW Area coordinators were invited to attend regional focus groups where good practice examples and issues arising were shared and ideas put forward – many will be progressed in 2006.

From 2000 to December 05, RWE npower directed £7.2 million to HTW. This budget included an npower HTW Crisis Fund spend of over £2,000,000, used to assist clients ineligible for statutory and local grant schemes or those in immediate need.

Further funding, £1 million p.a., from the Corporate Responsibility budget has now been agreed for 3 years from Jan 06 – Dec 08, recognising HTW as entirely a corporate responsibility project.

Business benefits

  • The number of customer believing RWE npower have put something back into the community has grown significantly over the last four years, research shows a direct correlation between these customers, overall image and community contribution.
  • The Community Involvement programme, of which HTW is a part, provides the opportunity for all employees to live the company’s values. RWE npower recognises and rewards staff contributions to the community through the staff appraisal process and the community awards scheme, thereby increasing motivation.
  • In 2005, HTW achieved PR coverage valued at approximately £200,000 in regional and local press, helping npower to reinforce 'who we are' and 'what we stand for'.
  • HTW develops partnerships bringing funding and action to areas where most needed, enabling more people to be reached than by working in isolation.

Impact

  • Since the programme started in 2000 over 11,000 key workers have been trained;
  • over 16,000 client referrals have been managed;
  • more than £16.5 million from public and charitable funds has been levered by HTW;
  • £300,000 in additional state benefits have been accessed for clients;
  • 2,312 lofts and 1,467 cavity walls have been insultated and over 2,600 energy efficient boilers have been installed which has an additional positive impact on the environment through carbon savings.

See also