Blog18 December 2018

Andrews Heat for Hire team up with CACT to keep vulnerable locals warm

With Christmas almost upon us and seasonal cold weather beginning to set in, now is the time where many people pause to consider the impact winter has on some of the more vulnerable members of society.

That’s why Andrews Heat for Hire are proud to be working alongside the Charlton Athletic Community Trust as part of the Stay Warm Stay Safe campaign – an initiative set up to help residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and surrounding areas keep warm.

This is a scheme that is very close to our heart, with the majority of employees at our flagship Charlton depot hailing from Greenwich and neighbouring towns.

We’re therefore very pleased to be donating a large number of new oil-filled electric radiators to the campaign’s organisers as a starting point of our involvement.

Deb Brown, head of health improvement at Charlton Athletic Community Trust, said for some residents a warm pack could be enough but that a heating unit would be of huge benefit to those struggling the most.

Deb explained: ‘’This is a great opportunity for us because the heaters Andrews are providing enable us to help people further afield than just Greenwich.

‘’For example, one of these heaters has already gone to a lady in Southwark today because it’s a perfect fit for her.

‘’The Stay Warm, Stay Safe campaign runs between October and March and helps people who have to spend more than ten per cent of their income on energy such as heating and lights.

‘’We also help with carers who look after people who are over 60 and disabled. We also check people’s homes and the temperature.

The units we’re contributing will provide a safe and energy efficient source of heating for a large demographic of people in the community and are already in the process of being distributed by the Trust.

Additionally, the campaign will also be offering free room thermometers, advice on keeping active and healthy throughout the winter months, benefit entitlement checks and referrals and food bank vouchers.

Mark Page, Southern Regional Director at Andrews Sykes, said: “We understand that this time of year can be particularly difficult for a significant demographic of society and so it’s only right that we can play our part in improving people’s situations.

‘’As our relationship expands, we have started to work together to provide extra services and support for Royal Greenwich residents, who are at risk of being affected by the cold weather over the winter months.

“We’re glad that our units will provide warmth and safety to many people this winter and are proud to support a campaign that does so much for the local community.”