Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Stay Safe and Warm scheme is back this winter, offering free support to anyone struggling to keep warm.
The scheme runs from October 2025 to March 2026 and is open to all Cleveland residents, with no age restrictions. Whether it’s a temporary issue like a boiler breakdown, or ongoing worries about heating costs, the team is here to help.
Following a free home assessment, residents can be provided with equipment such as heaters, blankets and energy saving advice to make homes safer and warmer.
Elaine Smith, Commissioned Services Manager at Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “This is the 17th year of Stay Safe and Warm. Last year we helped 408 households, from young families to older residents. With rising energy costs, the scheme is more important than ever. We’re here to help, and we’d also encourage people to look out for friends, family and neighbours who may be struggling.”
The campaign is being run in partnership with Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland Councils.
Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The Stay Safe and Warm campaign does such excellent work, and has helped so many people since it first began. The Council is a resolute supporter of it, and we are proud to be a partner in it.”
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture: “With winter on the way, colder temperatures can have a serious impact on your health. Our ‘Warm Homes Healthy People’ scheme supports Stay Safe and Warm and annually we help hundreds of residents stay warm with a range of support. We look forward to working in partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade once again for another successful campaign.”
Councilor Ursula Earl, Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare and Housing at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council: “The Stay Safe and Warm campaign does such excellent work and has helped so many people since it first began. The Council is a resolute supporter of it, and we are proud to be a partner in it.”
To help keep you safe and stay warmer this winter, please follow some of the advice below:
- Move furniture away from radiators to allow heat to circulate
- Curtains should be thick or lined and closed at dusk to keep heat in
- Use heating controls to help manage room temperatures and times
- Turning the room thermostat down by 1°C can save 10% off your bill
- Room temperatures should be set between 18°C and 21°C (64°F and 70°F)
- Remember a room stays warm for 45 minutes after you switch off the heating
- Setting your hot water tank thermostat to 60°C (140°F)
- Place tin foil behind the radiators to reflect heat back into the room
- Draught proof windows and exterior doors with brush or PVC seals
If you, or someone you know, is struggling to keep warm, please call our friendly team on 01429 874063 or visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/community/ssaw/ to find out how we can help.
