npower's ‘Health Through Warmth' scheme has been highly commended at the Business in the Community Awards 2010.

The commendation came in the Building Stronger Communities Award category following an investment of £11.7 million pounds since 2000.

Foundations is currently responsible for distributing a Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund through the Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT) for vulnerable people who live outside of the schemes 15 operational areas in England and Wales.

The aim of Health Through Warmth is to provide support to vulnerable people with cold and damp related illnesses who are in need of assistance with heating and insulation. Since 2000, the scheme has worked with partner organisations to access funding and install the necessary measures. Health Through Warmth's achievements to date include the following.

• Over 45,500 vulnerable people have received measures.

• 18,1111 community workers have been trained to identify households at risk, enabling them to make referrals to the scheme.

• Over £5.1 million of the Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund has been invested in repairing/replacing boilers, heating systems and appliances, draughtproofing, insulation, energy efficiency and benefits advice etc.

Volker Beckers, Chief Executive Officer of RWE npower said: "Health Through Warmth offers a comprehensive solution to people who don't have the means to fund heating and insulation in their homes. It helps to improve their levels of warmth, comfort and quality of life. The scheme has adopted an innovative approach to partnership working and supports our commitment to helping people most in need, we are proud of its success."

npower is committed to developing long-term partnerships that will have a positive and sustainable impact in communities.

FILT was approached in 2009 to help npower Health Through Warmth channel its Crisis Fund to vulnerable people across England, outside of the scheme current areas. Foundations relationships with home improvement agencies (HIA's) and the ability of FILT to target grant support at those who need it most means the partnership is ideal.

Foundations Director, Andy Chaplin, said: "Obviously we're delighted that our partners at npower have been acknowledged for their excellent work on the Health Through Warmth scheme. The scheme itself fits perfectly with the involvement of HIAs in delivering and enabling preventative interventions that improve health, housing and quality of life for vulnerable individuals".

For more information on applying for a contribution from the Health Through Warmth Crisis Fund through Foundations Independent Living Trust, please visit the FILT webpage using this link.

For more details on the Business in the Community Awards please visit the Business in the Community website using this link.