A GROUP of charities and community organisations in Bradford has started a crowdfunding campaign to help keep vulnerable people warm this winter.

Warm Homes Healthy People hopes to raise at least £25,000 to fund support and advice for people who are in debt with their energy providers and to provide additional heaters, meter tokens, hats gloves and blankets for those who need them.

In Bradford, 33 out of every 250 households are in fuel poverty and each year in the city about 200 more people die in winter than they do during the warmer months.

Bradford City Council and the district’s Clinical Commissioning Groups have funded part of the scheme for the past five years but funding is drawing to a close.

Warm Homes Healthy People hopes to be able to carry on its previous advice work and to expand to aid people in crisis this winter with the help of donations from the public.

The partnership chairman Sarah Possingham said: “We are making a really big difference to vulnerable residents with long-term health conditions like cardio-vascular disease and pulmonary conditions and people recovering from major operations.

“We know having a warm comfortable home makes a big difference to people’s physical and mental welfare, so we urge people to help and pledge what they can.”

The money raised will provide help across the city including draft-proofing, advice on energy efficiency, thermostatic radiators, insulation and new boilers.

Since 2013 more than 2,700 people have benefited from the Warm Homes Healthy People partnership, which is made up of organisations including Inspired Neighbourhoods CIC, Inn Churches, Carers Resource, HALE (Health Action Local Engagement), Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Advice Network, BEAT, Groundwork, Family Action, Bradford Community Fund, Bradford Council and Age UK.

Pledges to the fund start at £10 and go up to £1,500.

The campaign was officially launched at Inspired Business Network last night and will run for six weeks.

To donate to the appeal, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/keepingbradfordwarm.

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