Written by guest Blog writer, Jon Green – Wimbledon Guild.
Published 27th November 2025.
Introduction
With colder weather, dark nights and winter on the way, community organisations will be stepping up to keep communities connected and bring some seasonal cheer. Merton’s community groups play a pivotal role raising awareness about the impacts of cold homes, and signposting residents to support services, but Jon Green – Warm and Well in Merton Programme Manager from Wimbledon Guild – believes there’s more we can do. Our WCA Chair – David Hall, and Communications Executive – Sarah Carroll, were invited to meet with Jon last week at the Wimbledon Guild (they provide a lovely cafe with reasonably priced food & drink, should you ever wish to pop in) and he has kindly shared his thoughts in this blog to provide advice for our readers to digest and share.
Making a difference: Understanding the steps your community organisation can take to support people to stay warm and well this winter.
There are very few people who talk about the cold weather and dark nights with any sense of joy. It’s the time of year when people realise how expensive it is to put the heating on and talk turns to hibernating over the winter months. Cost-of-living pressures, high energy prices and record levels of energy debt means fewer people now have the chance to hunker down in a warm home.
The numbers of people struggling to keep warm and well in cold, damp homes have rocketed. I am full of praise for Merton’s community organisations and the magnificent role they play connecting with communities and ensuring people are supported, but I think the sector can do more and act smarter to help residents get the support they need. Whether it’s providing a place for people to come together and socialise, putting on events to raise awareness about important issues, or opening up as a warm space, Merton’s community organisations make things happen, but there is always more we can do.
Cold homes are not just a problem for pensioners
Most of us think about older people and pensioners living in cold homes and suffering the health impacts of doing so, but this is a massive misconception.
Fuel poverty rates are higher amongst younger age groups and the health impacts on people – irrespective of age – can be significant. We need to move away from preconceived notions of what someone in fuel poverty looks like and re-think what being fuel poor means.
I believe that Merton’s community organisations are uniquely placed to connect with and support people who are fuel poor, but they do not always know it.
There is a significant social stigma attached to cold homes; this is where community organisations come into their own. You know your people, you build brilliant relationships with them and they are comfortable in your company. This means people are more at ease talking with you about their challenges; they’ll tell you things they won’t share with strangers. Never, ever, underestimate the value of the connection you have with the community and what it means.
Understanding the impact of cold homes
Cold homes significantly impact health, increasing the risk of various conditions, and slowing recovery.
Whilst older people are at greater risk of heart attack and stroke, respiratory illness, falls and accidents, amongst younger people there is low weight gain in infants, and a range of emotional and mental health issues impacting children and adolescents.
I fear we are collectively forgetting about younger people and babies, children and adolescents. We must continue to connect with pensioners and older people about keeping warm and well, but we have to shine a light on the impacts of cold homes on the youngest and those of any age with vulnerabilities.
| “Children in cold homes are more than twice as likely to suffer from some form of respiratory condition than those in warm homes; cold housing increases the likelihood of minor illnesses such as colds and flu. There are significant negative effects on infant weight gain; an increase in hospital admissions, a negative effect on development, and negative effects on the mental health of adolescents.” Housing and child health Paediatrics and Child Health Journal, 2025 |
Raising awareness and creating a space to talk
I believe that community organisations like Wimbledon Guild are the perfect places to reach out and raise awareness, and get people talking about these issues.
A recent survey by British Gas Energy Trust revealed a third of people are too embarrassed to seek support and a further third find it difficult to discuss their energy bill with others.
Creating the space for residents to have conversation about energy, the cost of heating and the challenge of keeping warm really matters – these conversations are what give people the permission they might need to reach out and ask for help.
Putting up posters, sharing leaflets, and organising talks at your venues are just some of the ways that conversations can start. If your community group is wondering what it can do, we want to talk with you to help you to help your community (contact details are shown at the end of this page).
Smart signposting to services that can make a difference
Energy is a complex, and energy debt – at record levels and risings – is difficult to discuss. The challenge around energy means people all too often avoid the topic. If they do start talking about it, many people are understandably nervous about offering advice and guidance. But you don’t need to get into the detail; the best way of to support someone struggling with energy costs is to signpost them to an organisation that is equipped to help.
Do you know where to signpost someone to they have an energy related challenge? If the answer is no, then getting to grips with what support is available in Merton, who offers it, and how, is the first step. Wimbledon Guild works with community groups and organisations to support staff and volunteers to understand what the options are and give them the confidence to share this information. If you are in any doubt about what to do and need some help, get in touch with Wimbledon Guild.
But most importantly, don’t underestimate the role you have to play. So many of our referrals are a result of community groups promoting our activities, and the kind staff and volunteers that suggest residents should get in touch. You make a massive difference.
If you would like more information please do get in touch:
Email: jgreen@wimbledonguild.co.uk
Website: wimbledonguild.co.uk
Address: Guild House, 30/32 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW19 4EF
Community Group – Wimbledon Guild – Wimbledon Community Association
Let’s all help each other to stay Warm and Well this Winter.
