Cold weather advice
Look after yourself
Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables.
Tinned and frozen vegetables count toward your five a day stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy exercise is good for you all year round and it can keep you warm in winter if possible, try to move around at least once an hour.
But remember to speak to your GP before starting any exercise plans wear lots of thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and maintain body heat wear good-fitting slippers with a good grip indoors and shoes with a good grip outside to prevent trips, slips and falls make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out check if you are eligible for inclusion on the priority services register operated by your water and power supplier
Look after others
Check on older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well. If you spot a rough sleeper, please report this to us so we can help.
Report a rough sleeper.
Get financial support
There are grants, benefits and sources of advice to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in.
Contact Welfare Rights Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “It’s important that we all work together and check on each other to ensure that during this cost of living crisis everyone remains warm, safe and well. You can find further tips on how you can access support through our Supporting Sandwell information hub. Cabinet member for Adults, Social Care and Health, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, added: "During cold winter spells such as this, people with certain medical conditions and some older people can become more vulnerable.
It is important that we remember to make sure people are warm and well."