Case Studies
Case Study 1: Mrs Brenda Thomas, Briton Ferry
When Mrs Thomas’s old, coal boiler broke down at New Year her family were very worried about her health. She had had two recent spells in hospital. It was difficult to find a plumber to carry out the work at that time of the year and Mrs Thomas did not have savings to pay for a new boiler. The local councillor told Warm Wales about Mrs Thomas’s situation.
Within two weeks Warm Wales had arranged a gas connection to the house and Mrs Thomas has a new gas central heating system. Mrs Thomas said “It has made such a difference to me. I was finding it difficult to manage the coal and my family were calling daily to help me. Now I have radiators in all rooms for the first time and my bedroom is warm and comfortable.” Shortly afterwards, Mrs Thomas was able to make more savings on her heating bills when the house was fitted with free cavity wall and loft insulation.
Case Study 2: Mr Michael Freeman, Glyncorrwg
Mr Freeman was attempting to heat his house with some old, electric storage heaters and an electric fire. This was proving to be expensive and he was using his savings to pay the fuel bills. He was worried that he would not be able to afford to live in the house. Mr Freeman took part in the ‘Bringing Warm Homes to Neath Port Talbot’ scheme and could not believe the good fortune that followed.
Warm Wales installed full gas central heating and loft insulation. The benefits team helped him to apply for extra benefit payments and he now receives £236 more money each month. Mr Freeman said “Now I have a lovely warm home, I can use all the rooms. The extra money means that I don’t have to worry about the future any more. I can afford to stay here and enjoy it. I could never have expected such a birthday present.”
Case Study 3: Mrs Taylor, Port Talbot
Nigel Whitworth from the Community Reablement team at Cimla Hospital took part in the npower Health Through Warmth training scheme with Warm Wales. His client, Mrs Taylor, had a hip replacement operation. Nigel found that she had one gas fire only to heat her home and could not reach the controls. Care staff were visiting daily to operate the fire for her.
Nigel referred Mrs Taylor’s case to Warm Wales who installed a full gas central heating system. Mrs Taylor said ‘Now I can stay in my own home and I can be more independent thanks to the wonderful support I have received from Nigel, the team and Warm Wales’.
Case Study 4: The Ross Family, Neath
The Ross family were struggling to improve the living conditions in their home. It had no heating, hot water or proper water supply. Both young children experienced frequent colds and the eldest was missing time at school. Mrs Ross was expecting a third child. The family had a limited income but were not entitled to any extra benefits.
Warm Wales fitted a new gas central heating system and helped by working with the water company to organise a new water supply.
