Dacorum residents are being encouraged to stay warm and keep healthy this winter.

The Keep Warm Stay Well project from HertsHelp, which is a network of community organisations, aims to help people stay warm over the winter. The project is particularly focussing on vulnerable people on low incomes and aims to bring Dacorum Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council, NHS Hertfordshire, and other community organisations together.

The HertsHelp scheme can help people find the practical support, guidance and information they need by providing advice on paying bills, grants, benefits and extra money residents may be entitled to, as well as advice and practical support to help people stay well and active during the winter.

Last year more than 10,000 residents across Hertfordshire were helped by the scheme, with 9,250 people offered energy saving advice. In Dacorum 159 people received home energy audits, 28 households were supplied with emergency heaters, 77 households were referred for draught-proofing and 67 emergency grants were made to those in need.

Councillor Neil Harden, Portfolio Holder for Residents and Regulatory Services, said: "If you or someone you know is struggling to keep their home comfortably warm this winter, there is help available. It's important to stay warm in order to stay healthy, it could stop you getting seriously ill, so do get in touch with HertsHelp for advice and help."

Residents can call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044, or email info@hertshelp.net.

More information is available from www.hertsdirect.org/hertshelp.