Stay safe as temperatures drop

Want to know how to stay warm and well in the winter? Anyone can become unwell if they get too cold. It is important to follow this guidance so that you are prepared for cold weather and can take action to keep yourself warm.

While exposure to cold can affect anyone, some people are particularly at risk. These include: older people, disabled people, pregnant women, those on low incomes young children, and those with health conditions.

You should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older. Find out more about how to keep your home warm.

Available support: 

• Available grants to help with heating costs and free local advice and support lines, on the Cost of Living Hub.
• Visit one of your local Community Spaces (opening soon). Find out more about community spaces here.
• Thinking Works provide a winter warmth home service during the winter months for people on a low income; older people; people with health conditions and people with children under the age of 5 or pregnant women.
• Eligible Wandsworth residents are benefitting from Warm Home Packs for the second year in a row, helping them save on their energy bills. Wandsworth Council continues to deliver the most generous Cost of Living support package in London.

There are other things you can do to reduce risks from cold exposure and look after yourself and others:

• You can get vaccinated to help reduce risk from respiratory illnesses during the winter. You can check your eligibility for a flu vaccination or COVID-19 booster online. Contact your pharmacist or GP or visit the NHS England website to learn more.
• You should treat minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats promptly. NHS England provides information on steps you can take to manage colds or sore throats yourself, and when it may be appropriate to visit your local pharmacist for further advice and treatment. You can find details for your nearest pharmacy by searching online.
• If you are worried about your health or feeling down, contact your local pharmacist, NHS 111 or your GP, who will all be able to offer advice and support. In an emergency dial 999.

If bad weather is forecast, check that you’ve got enough medication and food in case it’s harder to leave the house. If you cannot leave the house, try to identify others who might be able to help pick up food and medication on your behalf. The NHS Care Volunteer Responders scheme may be able to provide help for those who are eligible for support. When out and about, wear shoes with good grip to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.

Other people around you, particularly older neighbours, family friends and neighbours, may need extra support during cold weather. To support others you can: 

• keep in touch with them and ask whether they are feeling unwell, or whether they need any practical help.
• if bad weather is forecast, see if they need any help stocking up on food and medication.
• if you are worried about someone else’s health, contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, who will all be able to offer advice and support.
• if you think they may have hypothermia, contact NHS 111 for further assessment, and in an emergency dial 999; typical signs that someone may be suffering from hypothermia include shivering, slow breathing, tiredness or confusion, and pale, cold skin.

For more information regarding winter health, please visit:

• Wandsworth Council Winter Weather
• The NHS England website how to stay well in winter