The Network has received a grant of over £247,000 from the Department of Health warm homes, healthy people fund to offer a range of services to help residents. This funding will be used to offer a range of services to Worcestershire residents up until the end of March 2013, including a free energy advice line available to all residents looking for advice on more efficient heating of their homes as energy prices rise.

Through establishing this grant scheme the Warmer Worcestershire Network hopes to fund projects that can support the aims of the network and aid new projects taking place in the county.

Community and voluntary groups can apply for grants of up to £250 for projects such as providing information on energy and health, fuel debt support, training community energy champions, supporting vulnerable residents in taking up energy efficiency measures, and other projects enabling elderly and vulnerable people to keep warm and well. Application forms can be downloaded from www.warmerworcestershire.com.

Applications should be submitted to Worcestershire County Council on behalf of the Warmer Worcestershire Network no later than 4pm on Friday, January 25. Funded projects must be completed by the end of April 2013.

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for the environment, Councillor Anthony Blagg, said: "I wholeheartedly encourage groups to ensure they take full advantage of this funding to support their good work in improving lives of elderly and vulnerable residents who can struggle to keep warm and well during the cold weather."

For further information about the grant scheme phone Heather Lammas on 01905 766855, or email sustainability@worcestershire.gov.uk.

For further advice on keeping warm and well this winter call the Warmer Worcestershire advice line free on 0800 988 2881, email sustainability@worcestershire.gov.uk, or visit www.warmerworcestershire.com.