The Diocese is to join with Rural Action Yorkshire this winter to try and help keep people in rural areas safe and warm and reduce the high number of deaths in the countryside resulting from cold conditions and fuel poverty.
England has a higher rate of excess winter deaths than Scandinavian countries. The latest figures for winter deaths show that across North Yorkshire, there are over 26,000 homes living in fuel poverty, 10% of the population. There are an average of 431 excess winter deaths every year in North Yorkshire, and over 3,000 emergency admissions to hospital as a result of cold conditions and fuel poverty.
Now, clergy and churches are being asked to join a major campaign to try and reduce the figures. Churches throughout the area will be invited to join with other partners in the ‘Warm and Well’ campaign by setting up winter weather schemes and raising awareness at church services of the dangers.
The initiative has been welcomed and endorsed by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd James Bell who says, ““The figures for excess winter deaths and hospital admissions in North Yorkshire are tragic, I am therefore delighted that Rural Action Yorkshire has invited the Diocese to work with them to help people keep warm and well. I would ask that you consider how you and your church and community can be involved.”
Among the practical steps, churches will be encouraged to look out for vulnerable members of local villages, offer practical and financial help to enable vulnerable people to stay warm, make more home visits, raise awareness in church services, and set up winter weather schemes. The ‘Warm and Well’ campaign is offering a hardship fund, as well as training for organisations in subjects such as fuel poverty, energy efficiency, and applying for Warm Homes Discounts.
Andy Ryland, Church Rural Officer for the diocese, says that fuel poverty particularly affects rural communities where people are especially vulnerable. “North Yorkshire is a mostly rural county with many homes off the mains gas grid or lacking adequate heating and insulation. Many rely on more expensive fuel – oil, bottled gas or solid fuel.
“Rural areas are also more isolated, further from medical help, and in poor weather residents may need extra help to get around, access services and socialise.”
Leah Swain, Chief Officer of Rural Action Yorkshire, said she was delighted to be working with the Diocese. “I am delighted to be working with the Diocese. Churches across North Yorkshire have incredibly reach into their communities and will be in touch with older or vulnerable people who may need extra help this winter.
“Clergy will be able to make referrals for home visits to provide help to stay warm this winter”, adds Leah. “They might offer support to the community locally by hosting an awareness raising event to help people understand the impact of cold homes on health and where to get additional support. Some churches may choose to proactively develop a winter weather schemes or set up snow wardens. Any help is very welcome and I look forward to working with the Diocese this winter.”
For more information on the Warm and Well campaign and how to get involved see the leaflet here.