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, please see
Helping to reduce Health and Housing inequalities across Greater Manchester
