Heat Luton

Wrap Up Luton

As temperatures begin dropping rapidly, its time to share a coat with someone in need. Sadly, many people don’t have a coat this winter – homeless, refugees, the elderly and even children going to schools. Inspired by local residents, we are accepting donated coats for all ages which are freely available to those in need and offered to our charity partners including Age Concern Luton, Level Trust, Luton Foodbank, Mary Seacole and homeless shelters across the town.

When a vulnerable person reaches out to a charity for a coat this winter, they’ll also be signposted to support and services in the town. This means that a coat you have donated could be the beginning of a relationship between those who need help and those who can provide it.

How You Can Help

First of all, you could donate a coat! How about that one that’s been lurking right at the back of your wardrobe that you don’t really like/need/want anymore?! We need donations for all ages, so if it’s in clean, good condition and ready to be worn, we’ll be able to give it straight out to someone who really needs it.

As we are all volunteers, our ability to collect clothes is limited, so we ask that you drop your coat off to us at 37c Upper George Street, Luton, LU1 2RD. We are open from 10am-5pm Monday -Saturday and would love to welcome you with a cup of tea and some biscuits.

Supporting the elderly

Of the 3.4 million households living in fuel poverty across Britain, 1.6 million will be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter, according to Energy advisor uSwitch.

In the UK 17,000 people – many of them elderly and vulnerable – died last winter due to cold housing, the highest winter mortality on record since 1976. To avoid such preventable suffering in our communit,y Discover Islam works with Age Concern Luton to support the elderly with assistance during the winter months in the form of fuel vouchers, heaters and thermal blankets. Additionally, neighbourhood volunteers support elderly residents as required.

Since the launch of the scheme, many vulnerable people have been assisted to ensure that they do not have to worry about being in a dilemma of whether they should heat their homes or have enough food for their needs.

Gas and electricity support

If you are a pensioner, have a disability, suffer from long-term ill health or are eligible for benefits you may be entitled to free gas and electricity. Read more about the Citizens Advice priority service register here.

Luton Borough council also has some great tips and advice on how to keep fuel costs down and where to go if you need help. You can also speak to the Energy Doctor Scheme team at Luton Borough Council on 01582 546789.