PEOPLE who need help to keep their homes warm this winter are urged to contact the Cold Weather Support in Ealing (COSIE).

The new COSIE phone helpline offers free advice on how to keep homes heated while cutting energy bills.

Qualifying residents could also benefit from free home visits by ‘green doctors’ who can offer tailored energy advice and winter warmth packs, with accessories such as fleece blankets, thermal socks and flasks.

Energy-saving measures, such as draught-proofing, low energy light bulbs and reflective radiator panels, could also be provided.

Residents likely to be eligible for home visits include people aged 75 or older, families on qualifying benefits with children under five and people with disabilities or specific long-term chronic health conditions.

‘Green doctors’ can refer people to relevant support such as the council’s handyperson service, which could carry out repairs to improve heat retention and save energy.

Since the COSIE programme began, more than 950 Ealing homes have been visited, and last year 453 referrals were made to other support services.

The COSIE helpline is now open and will operate Monday to Friday from 9.30am-5.30pm. Ealing residents should call 0800 083 2265.