After a very mild autumn, winter is finally upon us. Dark, damp evenings and cold weather are miserable enough but add in a cost-of-living crisis… well, the coldest season has just got a whole lot more depressing. Here at WHA, we have put together this handy list of tips that help get us through days when we just don’t want to get out from under our duvet.
Look after yourself
- Official: Being cold is bad for your health. Low temperatures increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes or hypothermia. The main room you spend your waking hours in should be around 70F (21C) and other rooms at least 64F (18C).
- Have hot drinks and hot meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables to boost your immune system. A vitamin tablet can be helpful, particularly vitamin D.
- Never use a hot water bottle or electric blanket together – if the bottle bursts you could in real trouble.
- Exercise boosts your mood as well as your core temperature, so stay active.
- Layers are the answer to keeping cosy and there is never a bad time to wear a hat.
- Keep your path outside your door gritted in icy weather and choose footwear with a good grip.
- Get your jabs: flu (free if you’re over 50/a carer of an older person/have certain health conditions), pneumo jab (free for 65+), COVID-19 booster (free for 50+/living in a care home/living with a medical condition), shingles (free for 70-79 year olds)
- Make the most of your local pharmacy for health advice – especially if getting a GP appointment is difficult.
- Get your regular prescriptions delivered if possible.
- Get out as much as you can. WHA’s LifeTime has plenty on most days for the over 50s. There will also be Warm Hubs providing a warm welcome across the borough including our home in the Gateway in Warrington.
- Keep in touch with friends and family online or on the phone if you are going out less – taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical wellbeing.
Look after your home
- Deal with condensation. Mould, as we have seen tragically recently, can be deadly. Dry clothes outside, when possible. Open windows and shut door after a shower to let steam out and wipe down windows if wet in the morning.
- Shut curtains before it gets dark to keep the heat in.
- Don’t block your radiators – keep furniture clear so heat can circulate – and use draught excluders round doors and windows.
- Should there be energy outages, always use a holder for candles and never leave them unattended or keep a torch handy.
- Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture, and never use them for drying clothes. Don’t leave them on if you go out or go to bed.
- Keep an eye on your carbon monoxide and fire alarms. WHA residents get theirs tested regularly by our maintenance team.
- Report any other maintenance issues to your housing officer, 01925 246810 or online.
Look after your money
- If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier to set up a repayment plan. They cannot cut you off between October and March if everyone in your household is of pensionable age.
- Our money advice officer Steven Higham is here to offer WHA customers practical advice on benefits, debts and budgeting.
- Are you claiming all the money you are entitled to? Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300? A Cold Weather Payment of £25 is automatic when the temperature in your area is at 0C (32F) or below for seven days in a row if you get Pension Credit. You may also qualify for a £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme on your electricity bill if you receive Guarantee Pension Credit or are on a low income.
- Warrington Borough Council has a whole host of information and contacts for keeping warm, fed, and financially stable during the winter.
- Charis Grants can direct you to sources of financial help with fuel bills. Call on 01733 421 0210.
- WHA has long been a supporter of Warrington Foodbank. Anyone can reach crisis point and foodbanks step in to tide you over until you are back on your feet.
- Be wary of scams online, over the phone and on the doorstep, especially in the run-up to Christmas. If in doubt, say no and inform on Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.
