Essex County Council has teamed up with partners and organisations across the county to keep the most vulnerable residents warm and well this winter.

As national and local 'Stay well this winter' campaigns are launched, Essex County Council will signpost to support services and highlight how people can make their homes winter ready.

The campaigns aim to help vulnerable people who are often more susceptible to cold weather. 

Mike Gogarty, director of wellbeing, public health and communities said: “According to Age UK, every winter in the UK one older person dies needlessly every seven minutes.

"In this day and age no one should be suffering because of the cold and certainly no one should be dying as a result.

“In Essex we are working with key providers and organisations across the county to ensure our most vulnerable residents stay well and warm this winter."

Older people tend to be most vulnerable as they are often less active, spend more time indoors and have reduced muscle and body fat to help insulate them from the cold.

This can increase the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and other chest diseases.

What you can do to stay well and warm:

  • The NHS advises that at the first sign of a cough or cold you should get immediate advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious.
  • Think about any medicines that you or your family may need during the winter months to make sure that you have enough and also ensure you pick any prescriptions up before the Christmas holidays because of closures.
  • The flu vaccination is available for free for over 65s, those with long term conditions, some carers, pregnant women and children aged two and three and in reception year as well as years 1, 2 , 3 and now 4.   
  • Keeping your home warm this winter is key to making sure you stay well. Your home should be heated to at least 18°C (65°F) and it is also important to make sure your boiler has been serviced recently.
  • You may also be eligible for support towards your fuel payments, visit gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/overview for more information.
  • Make sure you have enough warm clothes, blankets and food and drinks in stock. Also make sure you eat and drink plenty of hot meals and drinks.
  • If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit nhs.uk who can direct you to a local service that is open. 

Visit livingwellessex.org or nhs.uk/staywell.