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FILT Warm at Home Research

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In early 2015, Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT) began the implementation of a programme of funding from the energy company SSE entitled Warm at Home. The £850,000 received in funding is intended to improve the homes of vulnerable people through to March 2016. The Warm at Home programme will reach 4,500 householders and carry out 2,200 warm homes jobs needed to keep people safe and warm. By repairing boilers, draught proofing and improving heating efficiency, Warm at Home aims to make a real difference for people who might otherwise have nowhere to turn.   

The funding was allocated to Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) through an application process, ensuring that the money could quickly reach those who need it through a ready built network.

Research project

As part of the one year programme, FILT has also embarked on a research project, partnering with Sheffield Hallam University, to evaluate the impact of the programme on the quality of life of those receiving interventions from the HIAs involved.

Aims

The main aims and objectives of the study are:

  • To demonstrate that the funding from SSE has been put to good use, delivering improvements in wellbeing
  • To measure health related outcomes
  • To provide analysis of the impact of the interventions delivered on demand for health and care
  • To provide evidence to support decision making and commissioning activity

How data is being collected

Data is being collected through HIAs on their initial visit to a client. The bespoke survey assesses the health and wellbeing of clients prior to any intervention taking place.  At least three months post intervention, a follow up survey then again assesses the health and wellbeing of clients since the work was carried out.  

The surveys follow NICE guidelines and conform to commonly agreed standards of good practice, ethics and confidentiality.

Foundations Independent Living Trust will publish the findings of this research project in the summer of 2016.

More information

To find out more about the vital work of HIAs, and how this is made possible by FILT funding, please visit the FILT website