Winter Assistance

This page offers useful information on what assistance is available to you over the winter months:

• Warm spaces
• Food
• Library
• Household
• Energy
• Childcare

General Advice

Wrap up well

• Wear plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one is the best way to keep warm in winter.
• Wear clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibres (cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry)
• Keep your feet warm with rugs and slippers.
• Wear bed socks and thermal underwear at night
• Putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside. If you're heading out, make sure you take some extra layers – even if you don't need them immediately, it's a good idea to be prepared because the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes in.

Heat where you need it

• Only heat the rooms you use – heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.  Turn the heating in other rooms down or completely off.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• The ideal temperature is 64°F (18°C) for your bedroom and 70°F (21°C) for your living room. Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature, and keep your bedroom window shut on a winter's night.
• Draw your curtains and tuck them behind the radiator to avoid cold spots.
• Use a hot-water bottle, wheat bag or electric blanket to warm the bed, but never use a hot-water bottle and electric blanket together as this can be dangerous.

Eat well

• A healthy balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day like soup which is nutritious, keeps you warm and is inexpensive to make or buy.
• If you have them, microwaves, slow-cookers and airfryers are often the most cost (and energy) efficient ways of creating hot meals.
• Batch cook and reheat in a microwave.
• Get your 5 a day.
• Avoid comfort eating.

Stay active and stay in touch

• Staying active is good for your health. Walking, for example, can be good for you. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors by catching up on all the household tasks you've been putting off.
• Stay in contact with friends and family, especially if you've been stuck in the house for a few days. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help, check up on them.