The Snow Angels Community Interest Scheme in Ashton Hayes Cheshire, has formed to help older and more vulnerable people during cold weather.

People on the assisted bin collection list were used as a starting point to help identify vulnerable community members, and more than 40 volunteers signed up to the scheme. Volunteers made regular telephone calls and visits, and provided practical help such as with shopping, path clearing, heating problems, and delivery of meals.

Although the model was developed for extreme cold weather, it is applicable to other extremes such as heatwaves and flooding. The scheme was promoted through the council’s Low Carbon Communities network.