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Supporting you in the colder months

As we head into the colder months, we want to make sure you're staying safe, warm and well.

So, we've put together a helpful guide filled with useful up to date advice and practical information ready for you to download or share with someone you know. You can even order copies to be sent to you, for a small charge to cover post and packaging.

Please note: This guide was produced during Winter 2024. NHS and Care Volunteer Responders ended in July 2025.

Stay safe

Our guide includes tips and advice on how to stay safe - such as:

  • Preparing for bad weather - when the weather turns colder, it's important to plan ahead to keep you and your home safe.
  • Ensuring your home is gas safe - checking your boiler, stove and other appliances are safe to use before the cold weather hits.
  • Being scam aware and what to do if you spot a scam and need to speak to someone.
Download Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide
A couple of friends walking outside on a cold day

Stay warm

As temperatures drop, staying warm is key to health and happiness. Discover what you can do to help keep your home warm, and energy bills as low as possible with advice from Cadent.

Our guide includes:

  • Preparing your home for the winter months as staying warm is important to help fight off viruses and infections.
  • Information and links to benefits and grants advice and discounts you might be entitled to such as pension credits, winter fuel payments and insulation.
  • Details about the Priority Service Register, a free service for people who may need extra support,  because of their health, communication or safety needs.
  • Money-saving tips and how to reduce energy usage and costs.
Download Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide
A couple indoors smiling while looking outside

Stay well

It's important to stay healthy all year round, both physically and mentally - but extra vigilance during the winter is recommended.

Our guide includes:

  • Guidance on staying socially connected to prevent feelings of loneliness during the colder months, from a simple telephone call, access to services and by volunteering.  
  • How to keep active - physical activity is great for supporting overall health and mental wellbeing.
  • Guidance on how to eat well when the cold weather arrives many of us can feel a little low, but did you know that what you eat can affect how you feel?
  • The impact gut-health can have on your overall health.   
  • The importance of staying hydrated - many people get dehydrated by not drinking enough fluids and not replacing them.
  • Mental health advice - it's easy to feel more isolated. It's important to look after your mental health and stay connected with others as much as possible.
  • Advice on winter vaccines available for older people and those with long-term health conditions.
  • Useful contacts to use in case of emergency or if you need a little extra support or advice wherever you are in Britain.
Download Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide
A group of friends sitting around a table laughing

More ways to stay safe, warm and well

Eating well

More information about the relationship between foods and your overall health and wellbeing, brought to you from Yakult.

Take me there

Preparing your home

Safety information from Cadent to make sure your home is safe and warm for the winter months.

Take me there

Eating well

More information about the relationship between foods and your overall health and wellbeing, brought to you from Yakult.

Take me there

Preparing your home

Safety information from Cadent to make sure your home is safe and warm for the winter months.

Take me there

Other advice and guides to support you during winter months

Find Royal Voluntary Service support near you

We offer something for everyone, from enjoying a meal and staying warm at a lunch club or social club with community transport to help you get there to our national Calls with Care service.

Take me there

Visit the Virtual Village Hall

Our free online activity hub and community helps people stay physically and mentally active, connected and having fun.

Learn more

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