BARNSLEY's Healthy Homes Week returns today as part of Barnsley Council’s wider campaign to support residents through the winter.

During the week, the council will be sharing advice and guidance about staying warm and well, falls prevention, hoarding and what to do if you're at risk of becoming homeless.

The Warm Homes team will continue to check eligibility for residents to improve their home with energy-saving measures, get support with energy debt, provide information on energy bills and tariffs as well as the new ECO4-FLEX scheme.

The week will culminate with a drop-in event in Barnsley Market on Friday from 8.30am until 2pm, where key services from the council, including the teams from Warm Homes, More Money In Your Pocket, Safer Communities and Private Sector Housing, will be in attendance.

Key partners will also be represented to provide advice and guidance to residents on how they can stay warm and well in their homes this winter in light of high energy costs and the increased cost of living. These include National Energy Action, Groundwork's Green Doctors, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Berneslai Homes, DIAL Barnsley, Healthwatch Barnsley, Citizens Advice Barnsley and Live Well Barnsley.

A stall will also be set up for residents to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and get a free blood pressure check from the award-winning ‘How's thi Ticker’ team.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "We're here to support our residents through the winter, and we know it will be difficult for many with the continued cost-of-living crisis.

"I encourage residents to speak to our Warm Homes team to see what measures might be available to make your home warmer and cheaper to run or if you're worried about paying your energy bills this winter.

"In addition, our More Money In Your Pocket campaign can help residents to see what benefits and help they may be eligible for, such as Pension Credit and the Warm Homes discount.

"I also recommend reading our updated winter leaflet, which contains plenty of top tips and helpful information on the support available through the winter. This is available on our website."

To get in touch with the Warm Homes team about making your home warmer and cheaper to run, go to barnsley.gov.uk/warmhomes or call 01226 773366.