Affordable Warmth Access Referral Mechanism (AWARM)

AWARM is a referral system that trains frontline staff to identify when a client requires assistance to achieve affordable warmth. The initiative has been developed to assist vulnerable households in accessing help and advice to keep warm, well and safe in their homes.

AWARM is available across all Boroughs in Greater Manchester, and help available can include grants towards heating the home, energy efficiency advice, getting benefits and debt advice and home repairs.

The scheme was initially set up with home visits in mind, as it is recognised that some residents cannot make it to advice centres to get the information they need. However, we are keen to offer training to anyone working with any vulnerable sectors of the community, or anyone who generally would like to be involved in improving living conditions across Greater Manchester. Each professional will receive feedback on the cases that they have referred, so they'll always find the outcome of their efforts.

Free training sessions will cover how to identify people vulnerable to fuel poverty, the assistance available to them, and how the AWARM scheme works. Training is very informal and can be done during regular team meetings, organised sessions or on a one-to-one basis. The session takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on questions asked.

If you would like any more information about the scheme or to arrange training, you can do this via awarm@manchester.gov.uk or telephone 0161 245 7418.

Greater Manchester AWARM Referral Form

Get Me Toasty

The Greater Manchester 'Get Me Toasty' insulation sceheme was launched on 5 September 2011.  It is a £1.5m scheme supported by the, running across the ten Boroughs of Greater Manchester and offers free* or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation to homeowners and those who rent from a private landlord, regardless of their income. 

The scheme aims to reach 100,000 households by March 2012 to help them stay toasty and warm as well as helping to save money on energy bills.  Residents can find out if they are eligible by calling 0800 512 012 or by visiting the website for further details.

* subject to survey. Offer based on an average-sized 3 bedroom semi-detached property with less than 60mm of loft insulation currently in place.