Hertfordshire County Council have put together lots of information on available resources to get practical help during the cold winter months…

Cold weather health advice

We’ve put together a few top tips to help you protect yourself and others from the effects of cold weather.

From drawing curtains at dusk to keep out draughts, to having at least one hot meal a day, plenty of hot drinks and using a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm (but never both at the same time), there are a few things you can do to minimise your risk.

Find out more HERE: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/news/news-archive/be-ready-for-cold-weather

Please check in on anyone who may struggle in cold weather

Please protect yourself as much as possible from the cold conditions and check on others who may be struggling, such as older people and those with underlying health conditions.

If you are finding it difficult to heat your home, or someone you know is struggling to stay warm at home or needs help to get shopping or medicines, please contact HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or follow the link HERE.                 

If you are concerned about the health of yourself or someone else, please call NHS 111, contact your GP or get advice from your local pharmacy.

Come in from the cold
Our online directory of ‘warm spaces’ allows you to find libraries, family centres and community spaces near you where you can stay safe and warm this winter. Lots of the venues will be hosting additional activities, including Age UK Hertfordshire’s ‘Winter Fuel Support Roadshows’ where people impacted by the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment can access expert support and advice. You see this directory HERE.

In our local area, you can find:

The 3 Churches Benefice Coffee Morning
The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Cappell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts,
9.00–11.00am, Every Monday

Come and share a cuppa and a fun activity in our free, warm and welcoming space.

The 3 Churches Benefice Community Hub Drop-In
St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets
10.30–11.30am, Every Wednesday

Open to anyone who needs a cuppa and a chat, practical help or just a safe space.

Get financial support
If you are worried about money, or you are in debt, help is available.

Citizens Advice can give you help and support. You may also be able to get help from the government with energy bills, transport, childcare and household costs. Never ignore bills.

Visit www.hertscitizensadvice.org.uk, call 0800 144 8848 or follow the link below for more cost of living advice.

If you are in immediate financial crisis, you may be able to apply for help from the Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Service. You will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for help and you can only apply once every three months.

The payment is designed to help you if:

• you don’t have enough money to meet your, or your family’s, immediate needs after an emergency or disaster

• you think there will be serious damage or risk to your, or your family’s, health or safety without the payment

• there is no other help available to you.

Find out more about the Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Service and view the eligibility criteria here.

Winter Welfare visits
Another free scheme we’re working with Age UK Hertfordshire to deliver is the Winter Welfare Visits scheme.

A ‘handyperson’ service can help with the following:
• Provide and install radiator reflector strips to maximise heat dispersion
• Provide and install draught excluders for doors and windows to reduce heat loss
• Provide and install energy efficient bulbs and night lights
• Provide an electric blanket or a winter duvet (single size only)
• Provide a Warm in Winter bag
• Help to take meter readings and set heating timings and thermostats
• Hang winter curtains (already owned or purchased by client)

For more information contact chris.skrabski@ageukherts.org.uk, call 07903 429743 or visit the link below.

Source: Hertfordshire County Council