Keep Well This Winter

Do you know what to do if there’s a cold snap on the way?

• Watch out for cold weather alerts on the TV, radio and internet. You can sign up for e-mail alerts from the Met Office here.
• Heat rooms you regularly use, like the living room and bedroom, to at least 18°C.
• Wear suitable clothing – several layers are better than one thick jumper.
• Keep your bedroom windows closed and use draught excluders.
• Move around indoors and move about every hour to keep warm if you are able.

Find out more about keeping warm and well this winter visit Age UK’s website or call 0800 169 6565

Have you had your flu and Covid vaccinations?

• Getting your Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.
• Check if you are eligible by contacting your GP, pharmacist or visiting the NHS’s Keep Warm Keep Well website.
• Do not delay treating more minor ailments like colds or sore throats – visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment.

• Contact your pharmacy or GP surgery with any medication concerns.
• Ask for your repeat medications a week before they are due so you don’t run out.
• If you struggle to pick up your medications see if someone you trust can collect them for you. Some pharmacies will also deliver free of charge.

Are you having issues keeping your home warm and dry?

• Help increase your income to pay for energy bills and make your home more energy efficient through the Age UK Warm Homes programme – contact their Birmingham office on 0121 437 0033 and the Solihull office on 0121 704 8080.
• Warm Welcome Spaces are available in Birmingham and Solihull. These offer a place for you to be warm and socialise with others and may also offer free activities, information, support and guidance and a hot drink or warm meal. Click here to find out more.

Do you find it difficult to afford essentials or to pay your fuel bills?

• Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and ask to talk with an energy adviser. Calls from mobiles and landlines are free.
• If you are struggling with debt contact the National Debtline, an independent debt advice charity, on 0808 808 4000 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.

• Tell a healthcare professional, like your GP, if you have had a fall or started to feel unsteady on your feet even if you feel fine otherwise. Your GP can check your balance and walking to see if this can be improved and can refer you to a falls prevention service if needed.
• If you need medical help immediately after a fall call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
• For more information on falls including tips to prevent them visit the NHS Falls website.

• You can request an assessment of your care and support needs by contacting Birmingham Social Services on 0121 303 1234 or Solihull Social Services on 0121 704 8007 Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5pm.

Do you find it difficult to have regular daily hot meals and hot drinks?

• Keep your cupboards stocked with some basics in case you can’t get to the shops – ask someone you trust to help you if needed.
• Try to have at least one hot meal a day and as many hot drinks as you can.
• There are a number of foodbanks available across Birmingham and Solihull. Contact the Birmingham City Council customer service centre on 0121 303 1116 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm to request a foodbank voucher or click here for more information. In Solihull contact the council on 0121 704 8001 or Age UK Solihull on 0121 709 7590.

Are you helping to look after a friend or family member who otherwise couldn’t manage without your help due to illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem?

• Find out what support is available in your area for carers – contact the Birmingham Carers Hub on 0333 006 9711 or in Solihull the Carers Trust on 0121 788 1143.

• Reach out if you need any practical help and tell somebody if you’re feeling under the weather.
• Contact The Silver Line, run by Age UK, free on 0800 4 70 80 90 which offers support, friendship and conversation for older people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• If you can, check on others who may be vulnerable.

Feeling down or worrying about things often?

• Contact your GP or call the Birmingham Mind Helpline, for anyone living in Birmingham and Solihull, on 0121 262 3555 9am to 11pm 7 days a week.
• For local mental health crisis support call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. In an emergency call 999 or go to your local A&E.

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You can give feedback here or by e-mailing bsmhft.winter.wellness@nhs.net.