PEOPLE who struggle during the winter months will see the benefits of a £1,500 boost.

The money was awarded to Hampshire County Council for its awardwinning ‘Hitting the Cold Spots’ project, which supports people suffering from the effects of change in weather.

With the additional boost in funds, the council aims to help people in the community by offering practical support and advice on ways to keep their homes warm and working during the winter months.

The project, now in its fifth year, was set up in response to the recommendations outlined in the government’s Cold Weather Plan for England report.

During the past five years it has seen the number of people living in vulnerable homes benefitting from its services grow.

‘Hitting the Cold Spots’ has now been recognised nationally by the Community Action Awards, which rewards excellence and innovation in tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency in the UK.

The council’s cabinet member for adult social care, Cllr Liz Fairhurst said: “It is wonderful that this project is one of the Community Action Awards winners and has been recognised nationally as good practice. This award is testament to all those in the council and our partners who put in all the hard work.

“Every day they ensure residents of any age in Hampshire will be warm and safe during the winter months.”

The money will help the project provide alternative heating measures for homes without heating and give people advice on how to access different forms of funding.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) run the awards in partnership with the UK Government.

Director of external affairs at NEA, Maria Wardrobe said that with nearly 35,000 homes in Hampshire seeing the effects of fuel poverty, it is vital that projects like ‘Hit the Cold Spots’ continues to tackle the issue of ill health due to living in cold homes.

The Hitting the Cold Spots Team helps residents in a number of ways, including home visits, help with accessing funding and boiler repairs.