Winter wellbeing and Seasonal HealthTips

Who is most at risk?

• Older people (65+)

• People with long-term conditions (heart, lung, mental health, etc.)

• Pregnant women

• Young children (especially under 5)

• People with learning disabilities

• Those at risk of falls, living alone, or with low mobility

• People in deprived circumstances or poor housing

Why cold weather increases risk

• Cold, damp housing → higher chance of mould, respiratory illness, asthma

• Increased winter infections (flu, COVID-19, norovirus)

• Physical hazards (snow, ice → slips and falls)

• Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe heating

Keeping your home warm

• Heat living areas/bedroom to at least 18°C

• Reduce draughts with excluders

• Keep bedroom windows closed at night

• Wear multiple thin layers instead of one thick layer

Financial support

• Grants, benefits, and cost-of-living payments may be available

• Help with energy bills and efficiency upgrades

• Government and local schemes provide advice on energy saving

Looking after yourself

• Get vaccinated (flu, COVID-19 booster if eligible)

• Manage minor illnesses (colds, sore throats) early

• Stay active indoors – move or stretch every hour

• Ventilate rooms briefly to reduce germs if you have visitors

• Wear shoes with grip when outside

• Plan ahead for food, medication, and essentials before bad weather

• Contact NHS 111, your GP, or pharmacist for non-emergencies; dial 999 in emergencies

• Winter Wellness: Why the darker months affect your mood and what you can do to protect your mental health this winter: | Action Mental Health

Supporting others

• Check in on older or vulnerable neighbours/family

• Offer help with food or medication in bad weather

• Watch for signs of hypothermia: shivering, slow breathing, confusion, tiredness, pale/cold skin → call NHS 111 or 999 in emergencies

• Winter wellbeing :: Keeping Well

Preparing your home long term

• Service heating appliances regularly

• Fit loft/wall insulation, double glazing, pipe insulation

• Fix damp and mould problems

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm

• Register with Priority Services Register (free support from utilities for vulnerable people)

Where to get more help

UK Health Security Agency - We're here to help you stay well this winter

• Met Office: winter readiness

• GOV.UK: help for households

• Age UK: call 0800 169 6565, quote "WINTER"

• NHS England: staying well in winter 

• 5 ways to stay healthy in winter - BHF
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