A DUDLEY Council service has been commended for its work in helping to tackle social care issues such as loneliness and winter related deaths.

The council’s Home Improvement Service outshone about 200 organisations to win a commendation at the national Foundations award.

It is the third year running that the service has been commended by Foundations, a government-funded organisation, this time in the Better Together category.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is an important award which shows Dudley Council as leading the way in providing great care to the people it serves.

“Last year our Home Improvement Service obtained nearly £250,000 in grants, benefits and discounts for borough residents.

“Our service has long been focused on the social care needs of residents, by providing adaptations, equipment and disabled facilities grants.

“In particular, the successful Winter Warmth scheme aims to help reduce cold weather related deaths and hospital admissions.”

The yearly Winter Warmth scheme offers help with home heating and also arranges for local befriending services.

More than 1,600 needs assessments were completed in the past year in relation to a household’s health, wellbeing, finance and housing needs.

For more information visit www.dudley.gov.uk and search for Home Improvement Service.