Winter Wellness: Stay healthy this winter

The winter can be difficult for many of us. Keeping warm, getting support with winter fuel payments and boosting your immunity can all help you stay healthy this winter.

People most affected and at greatest risk from the cold weather include:

• Older adults, especially those who are 75 and over
• People with a chronic and severe illness
• Pregnant women and children under the age of five
• Homeless people and rough sleepers
• People who cannot afford to heat their home
• People who are housebound or who have low mobility

Find out more at www.nhs.uk.

You may be eligible for a free flu or Covid-19 vaccination to keep you protected from serious illness.

Keep reading to find out about keeping yourself and others safe including:

• Keeping your home warm and safe this winter
• Looking after yourself and others
• Getting financial support with heating
• What other services you can access during the winter to keep you well

• Heating your home to at least 18C reduces the risk to health of someone wearing suitable winter clothing.
• Heating your home to at least 18C is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18C could be good for your health.
• If you are under 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may feel comfortable at room temperatures slightly lower than 18C.
• Overnight, people who are 65 and over or who have pre-existing health conditions, may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18C are good for their health; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding.
• If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
• Get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your home well ventilated.
• If you have an electric blanket, use it as instructed and get it tested every three years. Never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.
• Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can kill.
• If you are not on mains gas or electricity make sure you have a supply of heating oil, LPG or solid fuel so you do not run out in winter.

Keep the warmth in 

• Fitting draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
• Making sure you have loft insulation and if you have cavity walls, make sure they are insulated too.
• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
• Draw your curtains at dusk and tuck behind radiators to help keep heat inside.
• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.

Look after yourself and others

Look after yourself

• Keeping well will allow you to do more and keep your independence. Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be bad for your health. Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems. Here are some tips to keep well:
• Don’t let the cold catch you out. Check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather.
• Check to see if you're eligible for a flu of Covid-19 vaccination to protect you from serious illness.
• Keep your bedroom windows closed on a winter’s night; breathing cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
• Exercise is good for you all year round and it can keep you warm in winter.
• Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour – get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day.
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good for maintaining body heat.
• Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls. Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out.
• Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks.
• Aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Tinned and frozen vegetables count towards your five a day.
• If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four and you receive certain benefits, you could receive free vitamins and a prepaid Healthy Start card to help buy healthy food and milk. Check if you qualify and see how to apply.
• Prepare for cold weather. ​Stock up on tinned and frozen foods, warm clothes and any medication​ so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

Look after others

• All of the advice for looking after yourself can be used to plan how to help others.
• Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.
• Ask about living in a cold home and support vulnerable individuals to access existing resources to keep warm.
• Those with care responsibilities, whether that’s for family members or on a professional or voluntary basis, should consult the Cold Weather Plan for England for a range of useful advice as well as ensuring that those at risk have homes heated to at least 18C and have plans in place to be able to check on others safely in advance of the cold weather (e.g. over the phone).
• In advance of winter, carers should be aware of how to refer to local housing and health services if further support is required. Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency & National grants to help with energy bills: 0800 444202
• Charities, social and health care organisations should ensure that carers of those most at-risk are getting the support and advice they need to protect those who may be vulnerable to the ill-effects of cold weather.
• Keep babies safe when in the winter by following the 'Safer Sleep' advice provided by the Lullaby Trust, you can view this at Lullaby Trust.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK-wide service that provides extra support and assistance to vulnerable customers, including those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or special needs. The register helps utility companies, such as energy suppliers, electricity, gas, and water networks, tailor their services to households who need extra help with everyday energy matters. Find out if you meet the criteria and if so, sign up.

By joining the PSR, you can access various benefits, including:

• advance notice of scheduled power cuts and priority reconnection if there's an unexpected power cut.
• an Identification and Password Scheme, to verify the identity of utility company representatives visiting your home.
• the ability to nominate someone to receive communications and bills on your behalf.
• bills and account information in large print, braille, or other formats to suit your needs.
• regular meter readings to help with billing and payment.
• priority support for those who rely on medical equipment that requires a power supply.

You can join the PSR if you:

• are of pensionable age and receive support due to age-related needs.
• have a disability or chronic illness and require assistance due to a medical condition or disability.
• have young children and receive support as a parent or caregiver of children under five.
• have specific communication needs and require accessible formats or language support.
• temporarily need extra support, such as receiving assistance during a short-term crisis or challenging situation.

To join the PSR, contact your energy supplier or network operator directly and provide information about your needs. You can also ask to join when you contact your energy company or visit their website.

There are many grants, benefits and advice in Waltham Forest and nationally to help make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in.

Warm Home Discounts

You might be able to get £150 off your electricity bill or a £150 voucher for your prepayment meter. You can get this under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you’re getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit or on a low income.

The money is not paid to you. It’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out. There is more information on the Warm Home Discount Scheme on GOV.UK website.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter. You can usually get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 26 September 1955.

How much you get depends on your circumstances, which could be anything between £100 and £300. You will get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get State Pension. If you don’t receive state pension you must apply.

Check how much Winter Fuel payment you can get and how to claim it on GOV.UK or call 0800 731 0160.

Other support available

• Cold Weather Payment - you may get a £25 payment if you receive certain benefits and the temperature in your area is 0°C or lower for seven consecutive days.
• The HEET Project - HEET can help make your home warmer and reduce your energy bills if you are in receipt of benefits or are aged 60 or over. Call them on 020 8520 1900 (local rates apply).
• Thames Water support - Thames Water offers several schemes to help customers who are having trouble paying or are in specific circumstances. Contact Thames Water on 0800 980 8800 or visit their website to see what help and support is available.
• Age UK Waltham Forest - If you are aged 50 or over, Age UK can help you maximise your income, apply for energy grants, understand your energy bills, resolve issues with your energy supplier or manage fuel debt. Contact them on 020 8558 5512 (local rates apply).
• Citizen's Advice Waltham Forest - CAWF can help anyone to maximise their income, apply for energy grants, understand their energy bills or manage their finances or fuel debt. Contact them on 0808 278 7838 (national rates apply) Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm.
• For advice on energy bills and energy efficiency, contact Simple Energy Advice: 0800 444202 or go to the simpleenergyadvice website.
• Community Drop Ins - hosted a locations across the borough, this is a place where residents can come to get friendly support and information from local volunteers, community organisations and Waltham Forest Early Help teams in an informal space.