Keeping warm and well this winter

As winter sets in and the festive season approaches, stay safe, warm and healthy with services and support available to you and those around you.

Exposure to cold weather impacts everyone and particularly those who are more at risk of health issues. This includes people over the age of 65, those with cardiovascular (heart and circulation), respiratory or mental health conditions, pregnant women, young children and people who live in challenging financial circumstances.

There are several things you can do to stay well this winter and look after those around you:

• Get vaccinated against influenza. Flu spreads more easily in winter due to spending more time together indoors. With flu already circulating and cases already triple what they were this time last year, get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself from getting seriously ill. Check your eligibility and get vaccinated at your local GP or pharmacy. You can book on the NHS website or through the NHS App
• If you or members of your family do fall ill, help to stop the spread of infections by washing hands regularly and remember to catch it, bin it and kill it
• Visit the health bus to get stop smoking support, COVID-19 and flu vaccines and health and wellbeing advice. Come chat to the friendly health professionals on the bus, including a local pharmacist - no appointment needed! Check out the timetable of upcoming dates and locations
• Check in on friends, family and neighbours when cold weather is expected - especially those living alone. Make sure they have a sufficient supply of food and medication and encourage them to wear multiple thin layers for better insulation and shoes with good grip when going outside
• Seek help via the helpline, NHS 111 or 999 in emergencies. Read more about looking after your health during winter

Health starts in the home

Keep your home warm and dry.

There are small changes you can make to keep your home warm:

• Keep rooms you spend the most time in at 18C or warmer, while also airing your home regularly; ventilation helps to prevent mould and damp
• When warm, moist air reaches cool surfaces it can cause condensation, which can lead to mould. This can increase the risk of illness, especially from asthma
• To reduce condensation, try and reduce the moisture created in your home and keep it ventilated so moist air can escape. Wipe down windows, cook with lids on pans, use extractor fans and open a window when showering if possible
• Always check appliances are safe; servicing your boiler and heat pump every year helps to ensure they’re working economically
• Reduce drafts by closing curtains and using draft excluders
• Radiator foils can make a big difference to the warmth of your home, especially if your walls are uninsulated. See more about how to implement some of these and more small changes in your home

Financial support for you

If you are worried about the cost of heating your home, financial support and advice is available from local services.

• Check if you’re eligible for A Warm Home Pack or the Winter Warmth Home Service from Thinking Works
• Financial help is available for low-income households with heating, housing and living costs. Find out what support is available
• South West London Energy Advice Partnership provides advice about managing energy bills. Call 0800 086 2706 for free advice

Supporting our community 

• Visit libraries, community centres or other community spaces for warmth, company and support.
• Get cheaper warm and winter clothing from charity shops and giveaway sites, or donate unwanted winter clothing for others who may need warm clothes. 
• For those who are eligible, Richmond Food bank has food distribution points around the borough. Check out the locations and opening times
• Doing your Christmas shopping and need a loo while out and about? Visit one of the over 80 toilets in the borough which are open to the public and part of the Community Toilet Scheme
• If you’re out and about in the borough and you or someone else is feeling intimidated, being harassed, feeling unwell or are just in need of some help, you can access a Safe Haven

Discover more helpful information this winter season about risks in cold weather, road gritting and flooding and health guidance.

To keep up to date with the latest weather and forecasts, visit the Met Office's website.