Keep warm, keep well, keep in touch

As the dark nights draw in, the temperature drops and the threat of snow looms, the advice is keep warm, keep well and keep in touch during the winter.

Cllr Brenda Batten, Leisure, Culture and Health Portfolio Holder, said: “During the winter months we tend to withdraw into our homes, which means we see less of our neighbours. We all think of Christmas as a time of giving and spending time with loved ones - so let’s try to extend that same festive spirit to everyone this winter and look out for people in your community.”

Please pass on our tips and information to those who can benefit:

Keep warm

There are some simple steps we can take to keep warm and safe:

• Keep your home warm. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed.
• Wrap up warm, inside and out. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Don't forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves outside and if possible, stay inside during a cold period.
• Keep active. Move around at least once an hour and don't sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm.
• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Keep in touch with local weather forecasts. Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles. The Met Office advises putting grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping. Wherever possible you should wait until the roads have been gritted if you're travelling by car.

You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home and a number of grants are available include the Warm Front Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments. To find out if you qualify, call a Warm Front advisor free on 0800 316 2805. Winter Fuel Payments of up to £400 are available if you were born on or before July 5 1950 - to find out more about these call 08459 151515, textphone 0845 601 5613 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/winterfuel. Or for Cold Weather Payments, which are available if you claim certain benefits, contact Jobcentre Plus or visit www.direct.gov.uk/coldweatherpayment.

Cllr Batten added: “There are benefits and schemes available to help the most vulnerable people in our community during the winter months. I would urge you to take advantage of them, if they are available to you.”

Keep well

As the days become colder and the evenings darker, we all tend to stay inside more – which can mean less exercise and filling up onless healthy comfort food.
“It’s important to maintain a healthy diet and try to get some exercise, whether it’s inside or out!” said Cllr Batten. “Regular exercise helps to control your weight, boost your immune system and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house.”

Keep in touch

For some, winter can be a lonely time of year. For older people, or those with mobility issues, ice and snow can mean they are unable to go outside. Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Ensure they are warm and have stocks of food, so if they can’t get out they have something to eat.
“Our community relies on everyone being good neighbours. Winter can be a lonely time for some, so five minutes out of our day to keep in touch, can be a lifeline to some,” said Cllr Batten.