HC Deb 10 May 1983 vol 42 c274W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent by the Health Education Council on the good neighbourliness project; and what the project involved.

Mr. John Patten

During the winter of 1982–83, the Health Education Council spent some £5,000 in Northern Ireland on the good neighbour project.

The project, which covered England, Wales and Northern Ireland, consisted of a publicity campaign mainly on local radio, aimed at encouraging families, friends and neighbours in contact with the elderly to visit them regularly during cold weather to ensure that they were eating adequately and keeping warm. The active participation of national organisations concerned with old people's welfare, health education officers and others working locally was also sought. The council also provided a winter warmth code booklet, giving advice on caring for the elderly and detecting signs of hypothermia.