A SCHEME which helps vulnerable people to heat their homes is celebrating reaching a milestone.

More than £10 million has been invested by npower health to instal and repair heating systems. A further £2.4m has been raised through partnership work with charities.

Almost 85,000 homeowners have received cash towards heating systems such as a new boiler since the project started in 2000.

Residents may qualify for help if they have a long term illness, a low income with little or no savings and are unable to fully fund appliances, such as a new boiler.

Elaine Midwinter, npower health through warmth scheme manager, said: “Ensuring the most vulnerable people in our communities, including those in Runcorn and Widnes, are equipped with working heating systems in their own homes is vital.

“These milestones are a sign of our commitment, the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of all those involved. We’re pleased to be able to celebrate such significant achievements.” As part of the scheme’s wider work, npower health through warmth aims to raise awareness of the vital role a warm home has on a person’s wellbeing.

Through its partnership with charity National Energy Action, the scheme has supported the development of energy advice DVD, ‘The Heat Is On’, which is available at nea.org.uk.

For more information about the scheme or to find out if you or someone you know could be eligible for help, visit healththroughwarmth.com.