KEEPING safe and warm throughout the winter is at the heart of a new campaign launched by Cleveland Fire Brigade.

The initiative aims to identify people at risk and give them advice and support, ranging from organising safe, temporary heating to helping people get specialist guidance on managing their fuel bills.

And the brigade will be working alongside Age UK Teesside, Hartlepool, Stockton, Redcar & Cleveland and Middlesbrough Councils, South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group, Middlesbrough Environment City, Middlesbrough and Stockton MIND, Public Health and Adult and Children's Social Care.

Phil Lancaster, the brigade’s director of community protection, said: “Being able to keep warm at home during the winter months can literally be a matter of life and death. Nobody should be in that position and be cold this winter because there is lots of help and support available.

“Stay Safe and Warm is available to anyone who is struggling. It’s free and there’s no means testing, eligibility criteria or age restrictions.

“Anyone who is worried that they might not be able to heat their home properly or is concerned about a family member, friend or neighbour should call the Stay Safe and Warm team straight away – please don’t delay, do it today as it could save someone’s life.”

This year’s Stay Safe and Warm campaign was launched at Age UK Teesside’s Energy Advice event which took place at St Mary’s Centre in Middlesbrough.

Anne Sykes, chief executive of Age UK Teesside, said: “We are proud to work in partnership with the Fire Brigade once again to inform older people across Teesside on how to stay safe and warm during the winter months.”

The Stay Safe and Warm team can be contacted on 01429-874063. For more information visit clevelandfire.gov.uk/warm