A LOCAL teacher and doctor have backed Bradford Council’s No Child Cold campaign, which aims to ensure all children can study in warm conditions at home this winter.

The campaign, run in partnership between Citizens Advice, Bradford Council, Give Bradford and Community Action Bradford, aims to help disadvantaged families in the district support with the extra heating costs caused by the third national lockdown.

With people staying at home and children at home doing remote learning, the additional heating costs of keeping the house warm all day is putting added strain on people’s finances this winter.

Bradford businesses, community groups and individual residents are being asked to give what they can to support families.

A local teacher and doctor have both also joined the calls for help for these families, discussing the impact that being cold can have on a child’s focus and physical and mental health.

Dr Kirsty King, named GP for safeguarding children at Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group and a GP at Ilkley and Wharfedale Medical Practice, has highlighted the impact being in the cold has on children’s health and attainment.

She said: “Living in a cold home is bad for children’s health and wellbeing.

“Children living in cold homes are more than twice as likely to suffer from a variety of respiratory problems as children living in warm homes and mental health is negatively affected by fuel poverty and cold housing.

“Cold housing increases the level of minor illnesses such as colds and flu and exacerbates existing conditions such as asthma.

“Children living in cold homes are at increased risk of asthma, respiratory infections, slower cognitive development, and higher risk of disability and mental health problems, as well as low self-esteem, confidence and educational attainment, poor nutrition and injuries.”

Councillor Adrian Farley, portfolio holder for children and families, said: “The thought of children being cold in their own home is heart-breaking but unfortunately we know many families are struggling due to the devastating impact of the pandemic.

“Children being at home in the day rather than at school places huge financial pressure on families that were already struggling.

“It is great that businesses and organisations have come together to tackle this issue and we are proud to be part of the campaign.

“The communities of Bradford have shown their caring and supportive nature throughout this pandemic and we’re grateful to all the businesses and individuals who have already contributed.”

Familes eligible for support will receive £80 to cover heating costs until the end of winter, and Yorkshire Building Society was the first business to get involved, giving £10,000, helping cover the costs for 125 families.

Businesses, community or faith groups, and individuals who would like to contribute to the No Child Cold campaign should visit virginmoneygiving.com/fund/NoChildCold