Here at SCTSP, we know how crucial it is for those affected by Sickle cell disease to stay warm during the cold winter months. Thanks to the support of the National Grid, we were able to launch our "Staying Warm This Winter" project in January 2024. The project aimed to provide vital resources and support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell and thalassaemia blood disorders to keep their homes warm and energy bills low.
Staying Warm This Winter Event at Bob Jones Community Hub
Our Staying Warm This Winter Event took place on Tuesday 6th February 2024, at the Bob Jones Community Hub. All SCTSP service users were welcome to attend this event. Exhibitors and presenters included Severn Trent, Act-on-Energy, LEAP, and Wolverhampton City Council, offering assistance with customer access points and welfare rights.
Attendees had the opportunity to:
Learn about schemes available to help keep their homes warm
Receive valuable advice on reducing energy bills
Connect with other individuals facing similar challenges
Distributing Warm Packs and Making a Difference
As part of the project, we were thrilled to distribute nearly 100 warm packs to those in need. Families and individuals were able to choose what items would benefit them most.
These packs contained items such as:
Electric blankets
Heaters
Duvets
Draft excluders
Radiator reflectors
Flasks
These resources provided much-needed warmth and comfort, especially for those experiencing pain due to their condition.
Community Impact
"The gloves help keep my hands warm during the bitter cold days and helps to reduce the swelling in my fingers. The heated blanket reduces all over body joint pains. Thank you to all of the Sickle Cell team that gave me the invite to the Warm Welcome Project. All the companies that were at the event were fantastic. The support and information that was available to help was fantastic. I received £70.00 to pay towards my energy bill. I can't stress how much I appreciated everything on that day, and the companies that have been to my home, to help me keep warm, and save energy and reduce bills.” - Affected adult, Wolverhampton
“The winter warm project was a really good incentive to help those of us who are struggling during the winter period, it has helped us to be provided with essentials we may not be able to afford to buy. The pack has really helped me to keep warm throughout the season as I really struggle with the cold. I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.”- Affected young adult, Wolverhampton
“It was really good. My kids loved the electric blanket. We warmed ourselves with the heater and the airer was good for drying my kid's cloths. It was very beneficial for my family. Thank you so much.”- Parent of an affected child, Dudley
We are incredibly grateful to the National Grid for their support in making this project a success. The positive impact on our community is clear, and we look forward to continuing to offer support and resources in the future.
