Launching Our Winter WARMTH Campaign 2019!

With cold winter weather just around the corner, we are urging older people, their families, friends and neighbours to think WARMTH this winter to help people and even save lives.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the South East has the highest numbers of deaths attributed to winter weather each year of any region in England.

Keeping warm across the winter months is such an important message to get across, as cold weather is very dangerous and causes over 50,000 early deaths in the UK every year.

The threat of another severe winter has led us to launch our Winter WARMTH campaign which will provide our customers, local charities and support groups with information to help elderly and vulnerable people living in our local area to keep warm this winter.

The campaign involves providing factsheets and holding talks to provide tips and guidance and is part of our ongoing work with local charities and forums to extend support further into the community.

Our top tips follow the acronym WARMTH

• Wrap up: Wearing extra layers indoors will help you keep warm. If you need to go outside, sturdy shoes with good grip or attachable grips to wear over your shoes can help prevent falls, and an insulated waterproof coat will help keep you warm and dry.
• Alert: Keep an eye on the weather forecast, stock up with nutritious food and speak to your GP about medicine in advance of a cold snap. If you have vulnerable neighbours, try and check up on them during cold weather.
• Risk: Minimise the risk of falls or becoming ill by taking the weather into account when you plan activity when severe weather is forecast. Plan ahead for the cold weather by talking to your GP about getting a flu jab and talk to your relatives or neighbours if you will need help clearing snow and ice in front of your home.
• Money: Winter bills can be very expensive. Make sure that you’re receiving all of the benefits you’re eligible for.  In addition to the Winter Fuel Payments, available to anyone born before July 1952, if it gets very cold you could be entitled to additional Cold Weather Payments.
• Temperature: Ensure the rooms that you use in your home are heated to an appropriate temperature.
• Hot Meals: Hot meals and drinks throughout the day will help to keep you warm. Eating nutritious food regularly will also help to keep up your energy levels and support your immune system in the cold weather.