A new energy project aimed at providing vulnerable people with additional support this winter has been launched.

E.ON and National Energy Action (NEA) have teamed up for the ‘Warm Minds’ scheme which is being rolled out in seven areas across the East Midlands, North East, Yorkshire, Merseyside, South East and South Wales.

Hundreds of people with mental health issues, dementia and learning difficulties are expected to be benefit from “bespoke” energy help and advice.

Warm Minds will be working directly with people who are affected and their carers to improve living conditions and frontline support agency staff will be given energy advice training so they can help those in need.

Support will include helping people better understand how to use and manage energy and appliances at home, interpret energy bills as well as access better energy deals, schemes and services.

Malcolm Dove, Project Manager at NEA said: “The detrimental physical effects of living in cold, damp homes are well accepted but the psychological side cannot be overlooked. Living in cold conditions for long periods can be stressful in itself but can be aggravated further by worry, about accessing energy for health and comfort, managing energy bills and dealing with energy debt.

“Limiting the negative effects of fuel poverty and cold homes is important to health, both mental and physical and the Warm Minds project is reaching out to help organisations providing support services to those who may be more vulnerable and/or less able to achieve a warmer, damp free home they can afford to heat.”