Title: Evaluation of the Warmer Ways to Better Health Scheme
Author: Patrick Burns
Date: April 2007
Abstract
Fuel poverty is a major problem in Northern Ireland in comparison to the rest of the United Kingdom. Living in fuel poverty can have a negative impact on all aspects of people’s lives. Various schemes have been introduced to try to help those people living in fuel poverty, however not everyone qualifies for these schemes. The "Warmer Ways to Better Health" scheme, which was launched in 2005/2006, supports people who are living in homes that have inadequate heating and insulation but do not qualify for support currently available under existing schemes.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the "Warmer Ways to Better Health" scheme. A qualitative and quantitative study was carried out to determine how successfully the WWtBH scheme was being facilitated. The study focused on what the scheme was doing to deal with fuel poverty and how satisfied participants were with the scheme. In addition areas of the "Warmer Ways to Better Health" scheme, which could be improved upon were identified.
Two methods were used to gather information. A postal questionnaire was designed and sent to participants of the scheme. Telephone interviews were carried out. Unfortunately due to time restrictions and the availability of respondents not all those who agreed to a telephone interview were interviewed. Twelve people were interviewed via telephone.
The results indicated that the "Warmer Ways to Better Health" scheme was very successful in addressing the main causes of fuel poverty. The results also indicated that most respondents were impressed with this scheme and its delivery. In addition, areas where the scheme could be improved upon were identified.
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