CHARITY Help the Aged has launched a home emergency plan to help deal with problems in the home this winter.

Mark Christopher, of Help the Aged Insurance, said: "Our home emergency plan removes the worry and anxiety that naturally comes with having to deal with these types of problems, especially as they often need to be resolved quickly.

"Repairs can also prove very costly, typically amounting to over £100 when you take in to account call-out charges and the extra for parts and labour.

"The charity works closely with Trading Standards to address the issue of so-called rogue traders, but with the home emergency plan, there's also the peace of mind from having reliable, professional and approved tradespeople on hand."

The Help the Aged Home Emergency Plan, which costs £69.50 per year or 10 instalments of £6.95, has a 24-hour emergency helpline which is available all year round.

For more information, contact Help the Aged, tel: 0870 737 6022 or visit website: www.helptheaged.org.uk.

PENSIONERS can get advice by reading the Keep Warm Keep Well guide from the Government and voluntary organisations.

* Keep warm, dress well: At home, wear several thin layers of clothes, rather than one thick layer so body warmth gets trapped between layers.

In coldest weather, wear bed socks, a night cap or scarf round your head, thermal underwear and a warm nightdress or pyjamas.

Outdoors, wear several thinner layers of clothing under a coat, something on your head and warm, dry, flat, non-slip shoes or boots.

* Keep warm, eat well: Food is fuel and helps keep you warm. Aim to have at least one hot meal a day and have hot drinks throughout the day.

Keep a stock of food in case you can't get to the shops in cold weather.

* Keep warm, keep moving: Moving around generates extra body heat.

Spread chores out throughout the day to alternate between rest and activity.

Moderate exercise, such as walking, has real health benefits if done regularly all year round. Try to keep exercise up during the winter.

* Keeping a warm home: A range of things can be done to keep homes warmer. Councils and other organisations can give advice on whether grants are available to pay for work.

Fit draught-proofing to seal gaps around windows and doors. Ensure hot water cylinder and pipes are lagged.

Check your heating system is working properly and serviced at least once a year.

* The Warm Front scheme is funded by the Government and provides grants in England to make homes warmer, and more energy-efficient.

People who own their own home or rent it and receive an income-related benefit, such as pension credit or income support, or disability benefit, may qualify.

The grant, worth up to £2,700, provides insulation and heating improvements – which can include the installation of central heating – energy-efficiency advice and two-energy efficient lightbulbs.

The scheme is managed by the Eaga Partnership, ring freephone, tel; 0800 072 0151.

* For more details about keeping warm this winter, call the Age Concern information line, tel: 0800 00 99 66. A free Age Concern factsheet, Helping with Heating, is available from website: www.ace.org.uk, or call the Department of Health's Winter Warmth Advice Line on freephone: 0800 085 7000 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.

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