Look after yourself and others during the cold snap  

News item published on 4 December 2023

Do you know anyone who may be vulnerable during very cold weather?   

With cold weather alerts being issued in the West Midlands by the UK Health Security Agency alongside the Met Office, older people, young children and people with long-term health conditions can be particularly at risk.  

Public Health in Worcestershire are urging people to look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather. 

During periods of colder weather, it is important to keep in touch with your neighbours or relatives who may need some extra support; ask whether they are feeling unwell, whether they need any practical help or if they need any food or medication. 

It’s important to keep warm. In winter you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older. 

A few things can help to keep you and your home warm. These include: 

• try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C 
• try to reduce draughts 
• keep your bedroom windows closed at night 
• wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer 

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Over the next few days please do take a few minutes to check in on friends and neighbours to make sure they are warm enough, have warm food and medication to last throughout this cold snap. Popping in to check if people are OK, particularly if they live alone can save a life.” 

For lots of advice to stay physically, mentally & financially well visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/winter. Here you can find out more about cost-of-living support, getting medical help, warm spaces and much more. You can also sign up for cold weather alerts from the met office and UK Health Security Agency.  

If you are worried about someone else’s health, contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, who will all be able to offer advice and support. 

If you are struggling to keep your house warm, make sure you are receiving all the help that you are entitled to. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to help you.

Find out what support and advice is available locally at worcestershire.gov.uk/costofliving, or the dedicated Household Support Fund page worcestershire.gov.uk/householdsupportfund and Worcestershire Advice Network worcestershireadvicenetwork.org.uk.