A charity is urging businesses to help the most vulnerable families in their area on national fuel poverty awareness day on 23 February.

Blackburn with Darwen Healthy Living who are based at Bangor Street Community Centre want any businesses who wish to take part this year to contact them now.

Abdul Mulla from Blackburn with Darwen Healthy Living said, “The campaign will highlight the difficulties families face in being able to afford to heat their homes, it will also be a great opportunity for the business community to show their support in raising awareness and much needed funding to help and support families who are experiencing fuel debt”.

Children living in cold homes are more than twice as likely to suffer from a variety of respiratory problems as children living in a warm home.

Cold homes are currently a bigger killer across the UK than road accidents, alcohol or drug abuse.

One in four adolescents living in cold homes are at risk of multiple mental health problems compared to one in 20 adolescents who have always lived in warm homes.

There is a strong link between cold temperatures and cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.

The charity would like local employers to help raise funds by asking their employees to come to work in a woolly hat that day to show their support and then make a donation.

The charity will provide each employer with a collection pack which include, posters, flyers, stickers and a pop up collection box.

They will also provide a cardboard woolly hat.

To find out more call 01254 292650.