Winter is coming

Keep yourself, your family and your neighbours well this winter.

Help fight flu

Thirteen Salford keyworkers are urging people to help fight flu by getting vaccinated.

The group are typical of workers praised by the public for their early response to the pandemic.

Now they’re asking eligible people to get vaccinated so the country is not fighting flu and COVID-19 this winter. The campaign has been launched by Salford City Council, NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.

People aged over 65, under 65s with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and carers are offered the vaccination each year but, in some cases, less than half of those eligible take it up. GPs are contacting patients and vaccinations are also available through local pharmacies. Schoolchildren from reception to year seven are offered a nasal spray.

The government has said that if sufficient stocks are available vaccination will be offered to 50 to 64-year olds.

Please visit www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/flu-vaccine for more information.

The group are:

Sam Barry, refuse collector

Angela Eden and Foyzul Gani, health improvement service workers

Lou Ross, tram driver/ supervisor

Lesley Fisher, volunteer, who runs Dancing with Dementia

Dafydd Davies and Ellen Brawley, teachers at St Phillips CE primary school, Salford

Hollie Ward nurse practitioner, critical care unit, Salford Royal Hospital

Marie Howard, community care assistant at Crossroads Care

Dr Selvaraasan, GP at Orient Road Medical Practice

Dr Adeyeye, GP at Pendleton Medical Centre

Angela Goddard, lead practice nurse at Langworthy Medical Practice

David Hartley, police community support officer

Stay well

Ask your pharmacist’s advice about winter medication and illnesses.

Make sure you get regular prescriptions in before the Christmas holidays.

If you need medical advice out of hours call NHS 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk

GP practices are still offering essential services but to keep patients and staff safe, the majority of appointments will be over the phone and via video call. Face-to-face appointments are still available for those who need them although a phone consultation is required first.

If you think you need an appointment with a GP, please call your practice or visit their website and they will advise. Please do not turn up at the practice without being asked to do so or if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

It's important to remember that Salford Royal's accident and emergency department (A&E) is for serious or lifethreatening emergencies, for example, severe chest pain or injuries, broken bones, breathing difficulties and bleeding that won't stop.

If you have coronavirus symptoms please self-isolate until tested and follow the instructions at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. It’s OK not to be OK and reach out for help. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call the Spirit of Salford helpline on 0800 952 1000, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm or visit the website www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford for the Beyond mental health service.

Be a good neighbour

Winter weather and illness can stop people getting out and about so check if your neighbours need any shopping or medicine.

Need extra support?

Care on Call’s mobile warden service supports eligible people to live independently in their own homes.

Visit www.salford.gov.uk/careoncall or telephone 0161 607 7133.

Stay warm

Salford City Council’s Warm Salford campaign helps you stay warm and cut your fuel bills. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/warmsalford for details.

Use an energy comparison website to check you’re not paying too much. The Big Clean Switch website bigcleanswitch.org has details of green suppliers.

Salford Foundation can also help if you are on a low income. Call 0161 787 8500 or e-mail: energyadvice@salfordfoundation.org.uk or visit their website at www.salfordfoundation.org.uk

If you’re struggling to pay bills now or heading for problems call the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) on 0800 060 7567 for advice on finding cheaper tariffs, switching from pre-payment meters to credit meters, energy saving measures and a benefit check to make sure you’re getting your entitlement. You can also visit their website at www.applyforleap.org.uk

Smart meters give real time information about how much energy you’re using. Call Smart Energy GB on 0300 131 7777 for advice on getting one fitted.

Gas safety

Gas appliances should be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Call 0800 408 5500 to find one.

Qualifying owner-occupiers could be entitled to a gas safety check for their gas boiler and fire through the Gas Safe scheme or may get help with essential repairs to gas boilers, fires and cookers.

To find out more visit www.salford.gov.uk/warmsalford or call Helping Hands on 0161 793 9419.

Tips for keeping warm

Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F)

Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to stop heat escaping and draughts coming in

Several layers of light clothes trap warm air better than one bulky layer.