How to keep warm and well

Advice about staying warm in your home to reduce the risk of health problems.

Cold homes and your health

Living in a cold home can be bad for your health, so it's important to keep your home warm.

If your home temperature drops below 18°C,  you may be at higher risk of:

  • health problems such as heart attack, stroke and flu
  • mental health conditions such as depression or higher anxiety

Who's most at risk?

A cold home could affect anyone, but you're more vulnerable if you:

  • are 65 or over
  • have a low income, so can't afford heating
  • have a long term health condition such as heart or lung disease
  • have a mental health condition
  • have a disability
  • are pregnant
  • have young children

Keep yourself warm

You can get help and advice on keeping warm and well from:

  • GOV.UK - advice on staying well in cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating
  • NHS - information on vaccinations and winter health
  • Health and Adult Social Care directory - find local organisations who provide support to keep you warm at home

Help keep others warm

Check on older relatives and neighbours, and people who have heart or breathing problems, to make sure they:

  • are safe and well
  • are warm enough, especially at night
  • have food and medicines saved so they don't need to go out during cold weather

If you're worried about a relative or neighbour, you can contact us by phone on 01273 295 555 on Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. If your call is an emergency after 4.30pm, it'll be answered by Carelink Plus.

If you think someone may be suffering from hypothermia, contact NHS 111.