Winter can be a difficult time for many people. Some older people find it difficult to pay bills and heat their homes and may have to choose between paying for heating or eating. Poor weather conditions can cause isolation among many vulnerable people including the elderly as they are unable to go out.

Where to get help

• • Phone 0800 169 65650 to claim a free ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ information guide from Age UK or read it online
  • The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help with heating costs during the colder months.  To be eligible you must have reached State Pension age and have a taxable income of less that £35,000. Find out more here.
  • Cumberland Council has information on home improvement grants that can help you save energy and keep your house warm. Warm home grants | Cumberland Council
  • Futureproof Cumbria offer free, independent advice and equipment to make homes warmer and cheaper to heat. Find out more online or call 01768 216 500.
  • Green Doctor is a free service to help UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save money on household bills. View their leaflet.

Tips to keep warm in winter

If you know someone who might be vulnerable to the effects of the cold, help them to keep warm and be healthy by encouraging them to follow a few simple steps:

• Wear several thin layers to help trap warm air close to the body
• Wear clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics
• Wear warm clothes in bed and if it’s really cold, consider wearing a hat
• Cut out draughts and stop heat escaping by drawing curtains
• Keep any windows and internal doors closed when it’s cold – this will keep heat inside
• Have regular hot meals and warm drinks
• Keep moving, even doing chair-based activities like wiggling your toes
• If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth
• Make sure you have a flu jab
• Have your heating system serviced regularly
• Fit thermal linings to curtains to help to keep the heat in
• Get help with heating costs, useful organisations to contact are listed below.

How to save money on energy bills

Some tips to reduce energy use and keep fuel costs down:

• Turn off the lights if you are not in the room
• Don’t leave electrical items on standby
• Only boil as much water as you need
• Turn off any electrical chargers once finished
• Avoid blocking radiators