The latest version of the Cornwall Guide to Winter Wellbeing is being launched this week to help residents and families stay safe and well over winter.
Now in its 13th year, the guide features useful advice, information and contacts about everything from winter illnesses to financial support.
Hard copies are available at venues across Cornwall including libraries, GP surgeries, community hubs, town and parish council offices, community pharmacies and Citizens Advice centres.
Above: The cast of Peter Pan at Hall for Cornwall have been helping to promote the new Winter Wellbeing guide.
People can also download a copy from the council’s website.
The guide is broken down into five sections:
- Warm – simple things to keep you warm and make the most of your home.
- Well – advice and help to prevent the cold weather causing serious health problems.
- Safe – Protecting yourself and staying safe in snow, ice and bad weather.
- Happy – Contacts and advice if you need to talk to someone or want somewhere to go.
- Informed – a list of agencies and contacts who can provide help and support.
It has been compiled by Inclusion Cornwall, working alongside Cornwall Council’s Public Health team, with support from Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said:
“The guide is a great tool for everyone this winter, featuring important advice on how to stay connected, warm and well during what is often a difficult time of year.
“It contains lots of advice on how to prepare for cold and damp weather and where to get additional support or find a warm and friendly place to meet others.
“It also stresses the importance of flu and covid vaccinations, which are available to many people. These can really protect you and your loved ones from getting seriously ill.”
Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, added:
“The guide also pushes the message that keeping warm will help you stay well. It makes you less likely to have a cold, flu or more serious health problems such as a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or depression.
“We know the cost of living is making life difficult, but we want people to know that help is available. This guide has information on grants, benefits and advice to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with the cost of living.”
Emma Rowse, Chief Executive of VSF, said:
“Our community hubs are open across Cornwall and can help you with support and advice. You can also drop in to stay warm, meet new people, or even try a new activity.
“I would urge everyone to get hold of one of the winter wellbeing guides and look for support in your local community.”
For more information on winter wellbeing and to download the guide visit the Public Health pages on the council’s website.
People can call Inclusion Cornwall on 01872 326440, if they need a copy of the guide urgently.
A video on winter wellbeing is available to view here: Winter Wellbeing on Vimeo
There is also more on cost of living support on the council’s dedicated cost of living web pages.
Press release issued on December 5, 2023.
