Let’s look out for each other

The winter months can be an isolating time – keeping in touch and looking out for one another can help us all feel better supported and not so alone. Taking the time to chat with an elderly neighbour or visiting a family member could make all the difference to someone’s mood – including yours!

Think about the people in your life who might need some extra help during the colder months; elderly family and friends, people with long-term health condition/s, or people who are isolated. Support them by:

• Keeping in touch and asking if they need any practical help or what they need if they’re feeling under the weather. Support them to see their pharmacist if they need to.

• Making sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days in case they can’t get out.

• Supporting them in accessing cost of living support if they need it.

• Making sure they order repeat prescription medicines before they run out.

Follow this advice:

• Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), the room you spend most time in should be 21°C and your bedroom at least 18°C

• Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights

• Keep active when you’re indoors

• Wear several layers of light clothes

• Wrap up well when you go out in the cold: layering is the best way to keep warm. Try wrapping a scarf around your face before you go out in the cold. It'll warm up the cold air before you breathe it in, reducing the risk of respiratory problems.

Cost of living support is available

Cost of living support is available through the Hull City Council ‘Hull Together’ rescue package.

A dedicated telephone hotline, email address and online hub has been launched to help residents access the help they need. Hull Together connects local people with advice, information and support. This includes how to check benefit eligibility, debt support, accessing food banks and support applying for grants.

Several warm spaces have also launched, where people can go for free to keep warm, have hot drinks and charge phones.

To find out more call 01482 300 303, email costofliving@hullcc.gov.uk or visit hull.gov.uk/costofliving