Winter Wise
Our social media #WinterWise campaign aims to highlight how you can look after yourself and those around you during the winter months.
Make sure your car is winter ready
It is important to make sure your vehicles are ready to drive in the cold and icy winter conditions.
Some of the things to look out for are:
- Making sure your vehicle is topped up on anti-freeze
- Check your tyres are at a suitable pressure and aren't damaged
- Have an emergency kit stored somewhere in your car for every journey
- Drive carefully and be aware of what is going on around you
Following these tips and driving for the conditions can help keep you and those on the road around you safe, and prevent avoidable accidents.
Be extra careful in the icy conditions
The icy conditions can make roads and pavements unpredictable. Take extra care when walking, jogging, driving or just anytime you are leaving the house during the winter months.
Ensure you are wearing suitable footwear and look at where you are walking to avoid slips and falls that could lead to more serious injuries.
Keep warm, keep well
Wrap up extra warm this winter with lots of layers of thin clothing. This will help keep you warm and contain the heat.
If you have to venture outside in the colder temperatures, make sure you are dressed appropriately with a coat, hats and gloves to keep you protected from the harsh temperatures.
If you are staying inside, keep your home heated to at least 18C. You can also use hot water bottles to keep warm, but take extra care with boiling water.
Look after your mental health
Your mental heath is just as important as your physical health. Take extra care to look after yourself this winter and reach out for support if you need.
There is lots of support available to you including Samaratins, Mind and NHS Urgent Mental Health Helplines. You are not alone.
If you feel like either your or someone else's life is at risk, you should always call 999. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Remember to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
The colder months can be particularly difficult for the elderly and vulnerable. Remember to check in on any friends, family or neighbours that you think might be feeling the effects of the winter season.
Check that they are:
- heating their home
- wearing enough layers and keeping warm, especially at night
- keeping active
- have stocked their food and medicine cupboards to minimise how often they need to go out into the cold
- feeling happy and well.
If you're worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm every day).
If you're concerned the person may have hypothermia, contact NHS 111.
Plan ahead and stock your cupboards
Plan ahead and stock up your food and medicine cupboards before any bouts of cold weather to minimise the need to go out into the cold.
Do you have a good supply of your prescription medication? Now could be a good time to check and order if you're running low.
Stay active this winter
It's important to stay active, even during the winter months. Staying active is beneficial for both your physical and mental health, and can help keep you warm.
You don't have to venture outside to get your activity levels up! You could try a home workout video to get the exercise in without going out.