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Keep warm and well in Warwickshire this winter

As the cold weather draws in, Warwickshire County Council is reinforcing the Government’s message for older people to ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ by making leaflets available across the county.

Leaflets are now available in locations ranging from doctors’ surgeries through to libraries, disability day services and homes for the elderly.

Older people and those who vulnerable to illness due to disability or health problems are particularly at risk during the winter months, yet a number of simple steps which are highlighted in the leaflet can keep people warm and well. They include heating your home, getting help with your bills, eating well, getting the flu jab and looking after yourself and others.

The County Council’s Emergency Planning Unit and Adult, Health and Community Services are working closely together to ensure that the most vulnerable Warwickshire residents receive support this winter as of their ‘Winter Capacity Plan’.

Dr Graeme Betts, Strategic Director of Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ campaign is all about providing useful advice on staying healthy in winter, as well as information about financial and practical help.
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“We all have a role to play and we would urge anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbours to look out for them during the colder months.”

Tim Bowtell, Manager of Warwickshire’s Emergency Planning Unit, said: “Severe weather is one of the biggest threats to health and the efficient day-to-day running of the country, and it’s for this reason Warwickshire has in place regularly tested procedures and means of reducing the impact of this on the community.

“However, the community also has an important role in taking measures to protect themselves.”

More information is available from Warwickshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Unit’s website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/epu where a copy of the leaflet can be viewed or downloaded, the leaflet contains numerous telephone numbers of the different agencies offering help and advice.

Copies are also available in Warwickshire libraries, or from the reception points at each of the district and borough councils and Warwickshire County Council and one-stop-shops.