There are many things you can do to keep warm during the cold months of the year. You can also prevent serious illness during the cold.

If you are concerned about not being able to pay your energy bills, there is information and advice available.

Tips to keep warm

Whilst it will be very cold outside, you can do the following to make sure you stay warm in your home.

• Wear layers of clothing (layers trap warm air), instead of one jumper, sweater or cardigan.
• Keep the temperature in your home at least 18 °C, but this could be higher for the elderly.
• Keeping as active as you can, will help to keep you warmer and improve your mental health.
• Have regular hot meals and hot drinks.
• Use an electric blanket or a hot water bottle during the night but not both.
• Block out draughts by keeping doors and windows closed.

Energy discounts

If you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment or the Cold Weather Payment, you are usually paid them automatically.

GOV.UK has information on the winter fuel and cold weather payment.

• Winter Fuel Payment
• Cold Weather Payment

Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines

The flu vaccine is offered every year and provides protection from the flu. The COVID-19 booster vaccine offers more protection after the first two doses of the vaccine.

The NHS has information about the flu vaccine for adults, children and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine.

• Flu vaccine for adults
• Flu vaccine for children

Look out for each other

The cold winter months can be hard for those that live alone. If you know someone who lives by themselves, give them a visit to find out how they are doing. You could offer to do a little shopping for them in case they cannot go out to buy the essentials.

If you are concerned about someone, please contact Adult Social Care and report a concern about an adult.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Street homeless

If you come across someone that you believe may be street homeless or roofless and in need of help, we may be able to help them.

See our Street homeless services page for further details.

Further information

• If you are a council tenant, see our winter weather advice page.
• The NHS website provides information on how to stay well in winter.
• Age UK provides information on staying healthy and warm in winter.
• In the event of severe weather in Stevenage, our services can become disrupted. See our severe weather page for more information.