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.
- Find out how to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and get the care you need from Your Local Health Team.
Want to help someone who is rough sleeping but not sure what to do?
If you encounter someone sleeping rough on the streets, it’s important to know how best to respond. Here are some practical steps you can take to offer meaningful support:
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Alert local services: If…
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay connected
During the winter season, many people experience feelings of loneliness. Let’s stay connected. Talk about it and get help and support for your mental health and wellbeing.
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.
Get financial support
The cost of living crisis is often felt worse during the colder seasons. Find out what financial support you can get.
Drink less
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.
StreetLink
If you have seen someone sleeping rough, connect them with support services through StreetLink. StreetLink will try to locate the individual, assess their needs, and offer appropriate support services with the aim of ending their homelessness.
Pharmacy First
Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.
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.
