£50m energy fund will help keep homes warm for hospital leavers in Stoke-on-Trent

A £50m national fund, announced by the National Grid in October, will help Stoke-on-Trent hospital leavers heat their homes this winter.

The money will enable organisations working on the front line of the energy crisis to better support those in need.

Part of the sum has been awarded to Revival. We have a Home from Hospital team based at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and in the community.

Our Support Workers take pressure off wards by visiting patients and putting support in place so they can leave hospital safely. This also frees up bedspaces for others in need.

Revival also visits patients once home to check they are safe and warm as well as to deliver essentials like food and prescriptions and have done this for 800 people this year.

We've received £9,000 which will enable a worker to provide support to access energy grants, provide energy saving advice and give winter warm packs for vulnerable people once they have been discharged.

Home Support Team Leader Mark Cliffe said that in recent months the team have seen an increase in people struggling to heat their homes following hospital discharge.

Mark said: “We’re seeing more people who simply can’t afford to put their heating on.

“When you have a health condition, or you’re recovering from a hospital stay, it’s vital you keep warm. It prevents you from becoming ill or being readmitted into hospital.

“Someone in recovery will have a low immune system. If they return to a cold home it can make it even harder to fight off an infection.” 

Mark said the fund will be a vital resource for those people.

“The money will help us to support customers to reduce their energy bills, share information about support services and provide winter warm packs with a hot water bottle, hot cup, thermal blanket, hat, socks, gloves and a room thermometer to keep people warm."