UHNM enhances Keep Warm, Keep Well programme with targeted digital referrals

Families across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are getting better support to stay warm and well thanks to a partnership led by University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).

The Keep Warm, Keep Well programme, delivered with Staffordshire Community Energy and Beat the Cold, is making a difference to people’s everyday lives especially for families with children living with asthma.

With a new digital approach using the One Health and Care (OHC), families who may be struggling to keep their homes warm can now be identified and referred directly to Beat the Cold, with a simple text message offering support. They will receive simple, practical help from advice on managing energy bills to improvements that make their homes warmer, safer and healthier.

This means those most in need can be reached quickly, without the need for traditional referrals, helping remove barriers and making support easier to access.

Louise Stockdale, UHNM’s Head of Transformation and Sustainability, said: “This new digital approach allows us to reach the right families at the right time. It’s quicker, more targeted and makes it much easier for people to access support when they need it most.

“This is about reaching people who really need support and helping them in a way that’s quick, simple and respectful. We’re not just offering short-term help; we’re giving families the tools to stay warm and well for the long term.”

Cold and damp homes can make asthma worse, often leading to missed school days and hospital visits. By helping families improve their home environment, the programme is helping children breathe easier and stay healthier.

Will Carroll, Consultant Paediatrician at UHNM, said: “When a child’s asthma isn’t well controlled, it affects every part of their life. Something as simple as being able to properly heat and ventilate a home can make a huge difference. This support helps families create a healthier environment so children can stay well and out of hospital.

"We know that children living in colder homes are more likely to struggle with their asthma. By identifying families earlier and connecting them to support, we can help children stay well and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.”

The programme has already supported hundreds of households, helping families stay warm, reduce costs and improve their wellbeing. This new digital step will ensure even more people get the help they need, when they need it.