August Newsletter: Your Wiltshire Carer Updates

This month’s newsletter shines a spotlight on Better Housing, Better Health, a free UK-wide advice service helping Carers make their homes warmer, safer, and more affordable. You’ll also find the latest national discounts from well-known brands, alongside local offers and resources for Carers in Dorset and Wiltshire – from community hubs tackling loneliness to practical guides that make navigating care and support easier.

Better Housing, Better Health – Supporting Carers Across the UK

Looking after someone you love can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be tough, especially when housing conditions or high energy costs add extra pressure. Cold, damp, or homes in need of repair, can impact your health and the wellbeing of the person you care for. 

That’s where Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH) can help.

Plan Ahead – Even in the Heat

It might not be on your mind during this hot weather, but winter will be here before you know it. The support from Better Housing, Better Health is available now, so it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Acting early means your home can be warm, safe, and affordable to run when the cold months arrive. 

What is Better Housing, Better Health?

Better Housing, Better Health is a free, confidential advice service that helps households across the UK make their homes warmer, safer, and healthier. Run by The National Energy Foundation, it offers practical guidance and connects you to grants, funding, and home improvements that can make a real difference. 

Why it Matters for unpaid Carers

If you’re a Carer, you probably spend more time at home than most, and the quality of that home can directly affect your health and your ability to care. 
BHBH can help you: 

Feel more comfortable – Warmer, more energy-efficient homes mean less stress and more peace of mind. 

Save money – Lower energy bills ease financial pressure, freeing up money for other essentials. 

Protect your health – A warm, safe home reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, slips, and falls. 

Make daily life easier – When a home is well maintained and suitable, caring responsibilities become more manageable.

How Better Housing, Better Health Helps

You can get support with: 

Signposting to other local services that can help. 

• Free advice on energy efficiency and insulation. 

• Finding grants or funding for home improvements. 

• Repairs or replacements for heating systems. 

• Guidance on reducing damp and mould. 

Take the First Step

Don’t wait until the cold sets in,  find out what help you can access today. 

Wiltshire Carers – Did You Know?

There are some great offers and activities you can enjoy as a Carer. Many places accept our Carers ID Card as Registered Carer evidence, so always worth asking but you can also apply for these yourself: 

• Access for Everyone – National Trust:  Access for everyone | National Trust 

• Carer Pass Redemption Information – Merlin Annual Pass: Carer Pass Redemption Information | Merlin Annual Pass 

Palmer Gardens Garden Centre is run by the Shaw Trust and provides a friendly welcoming environment. Visit the Mulberry Tree Cafe whilst you are there, for a relaxing drink or something to eat.  Palmer Gardens | Trowbridge | Facebook 

Our Project Assistant, Karen, will be visiting Tisbury, Pewsey, Amesbury. Cricklade and Marlborough  over August and September. Do you have any local businesses you’d like to see signed up to our Carer-friendly scheme in these areas? Let Karen know via our carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk