Winter Well

Stay well this winter

The colder weather can bring challenges to our health and wellbeing. But there are several simple steps we can take to have a healthy winter:

  • Get winter strong and protect yourself and others with the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines take up to 2 weeks to provide maximum protection, so check your eligibility and book now to help avoid being unwell or spreading illness to others over the holidays. 
  • Keep your home warm, to 18C if you can. Wear layers and keep active to tackle the cold or find a warm space near you.
  • Keep your home healthy from damp and mould. Dampness, mould, and condensation can not only cause damage to your home, but also to your health.   
  • Stay connected and look out for others. Check in on neighbours and relatives, especially elderly or vulnerable people. Colder weather and shorter days can mean that some people are isolated, and it may be that a chat and a friendly face is all they need.   
  • Get financial help for heating costs, food and childcare.  

Person holding brown gloves outside in the cold.

Damp and mould and our health: top tips

As the cooler weather arrives, condensation is more likely, which can lead to damp and mould growth in our homes. Dampness, mould, and condensation can cause not only damage to our home, but also to our health.

Living with damp and mould…

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Get vaccinated

Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors and can cause serious illness. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of severe symptoms and hospitalisation.

Keeping your home healthy illustration with blue, grey and pink colours and text 'Living with damp and mould can cause us to develop asthma or make existing symptoms worse.'

Prevent damp and mould

One of the biggest challenges that residents can face in their home is dampness, which can lead to the growth of mould and other health hazards. Read more about the effects, how to treat them and how to report it.

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Warm spaces in Barnet

Warm Spaces is a community-led initiative where businesses, community, faith or social enterprise organisations provide a welcoming space for residents to stay warm and engage with others in their community.

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Keep warm and well

Keeping warm, at home or while you are out and about, will help you to stay well during cold winter months. There are some simple things you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

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Get financial support

The cost of living crisis is often felt worse during the colder seasons. Find out what financial support you can get.

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Meet your local health team

Your local health team offers lots of different services and is made up of many skilled professionals. Find out how these services and professionals can help support your physical and mental health.

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For your mind

There are a range of mental health and wellbeing services and resources available for free in Barnet, from online digital resources to in-person and over the phone support. Stay connected, it's ok to ask for help.

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Drink less this festive season

Consider drinking less this festive season to boost health, save money, and enjoy clearer memories with loved ones. Celebrate mindfully and think about the steps you can take to reduce your drinking.

Get advice if you're feeling unwell

  • If you feel unwell, contact your pharmacy or GP practice, or visit www.nhs.uk for advice or information
  • If you need medical advice quickly, call 111 of visit 111.nhs.uk
  • In a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Woman feeling unwell with a glass of water,. Man giving her medication