Barnsley's first Healthy Homes Week will take place from Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December 2023 as part of our efforts to tackle problems for residents facing another tough winter. 

During the week, we'll share messages on social media about issues like damp and mould, staying warm and well, falls prevention and what to do if you're at risk of becoming homeless. Various activities will also take place throughout the week to offer support and guidance to residents. 

To mark the first anniversary of the launch of our Affordable Warmth Charter, the signees will meet to discuss activity over the past 12 months and share knowledge, expertise and resources to tackle the health inequalities caused by fuel poverty and help make sure residents live in warm, healthy, energy-efficient homes. 

Meanwhile, the Warm Homes team will continue their drop-in sessions at our libraries, visiting Dodworth, Darfield, Hoyland and the Library @ the Lightbox during the week to check eligibility for heating and insulation grants, discuss how residents can improve their home with energy-saving measures, get support with energy debt, and provide information on energy bills and tariffs. 

The week will culminate with a drop-in event in Barnsley Market on Friday 1 December 2023 from 8.30am to 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 be also represented to provide advice and guidance to residents on how they can stay warm and well in their homes this winter in light of rising energy costs and the cost of living, including Berneslai Homes' Tenants First team and the charities DIAL Barnsley and Age UK. 

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "Last year's drop-in event for the launch of the Affordable Warmth Charter was a huge success, so we're pleased to be bringing it back next month as part of our first Healthy Homes Week. 

"The continued rise in energy prices and the wider cost of living are going to make it another difficult winter for many of our residents, so we must maximise the impact of the help we can provide by giving them good information and guidance and signposting to the financial support and advice available. 

"I also recommend reading our keep warm and well leaflet, which contains plenty of top tips and helpful information on the support available through the winter." 

More information on staying well this winter is available on our website. 

To get in touch with our Warm Homes team about making your home warmer and cheaper to run, go to barnsley.gov.uk/warmhomes or call 01226 77 33 66. 

To learn more about the Affordable Warmth Charter or register your interest in signing it, please visit the Affordable Warmth Charter webpage. 

Find all the information and support you need to help with the rising cost of living at barnsley.gov.uk/mmiyp.