Staying well this winter
We've put together the following advice and information to help the people of Wiltshire stay safe and well this winter.
Help stop the spread of Covid-19
This winter will be challenging for health and care services as the pandemic continues, so it’s important for all of us to play our part in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
For the latest national information and guidance check out the NHS and Government websites:
nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Wiltshire Council also has a dedicated Covid-19 page which is updated regularly:
wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus
BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group also provides regular updates as well as a Q&A on the vaccination programme:
bswccg.nhs.uk/latest-covid-19-updates
If you or someone you know has had Covid-19, this new NHS website can support you through your recovery:
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
Wiltshire Council's hub is available to anyone who is struggling during this difficult time, such as people who are identified as clinically extremely vulnerable or self-isolating and don’t have a support network around them or know where to get help.
The hub is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Call 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Covid-19 vaccination programme
As the programme gets under way, people who are eligible for the vaccine are being advised to wait to be contacted by the NHS, instead of calling their local hospital or GP practice directly.
Great Western Hospital is one of 50 hospital hubs across the country to offer vaccinations.
GP-led Covid-19 Vaccination Centres have opened across BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire, while large-scale hubs are also open at Bath Racecourse and Salisbury City Hall.
Share your views on changes to services
Since March, NHS and social care services have had to change the way they work to meet coronavirus safety guidelines, while voluntary and community groups have stepped up their support to help local people through the pandemic.
We want to understand how these changes have been working for you, what's been good and what could be better.
Stay healthy and active
- The One You website has a lot of advice and ideas for healthy meals you can cook at home.
- Public Health England has provided some free, easy 10-minute workouts for exercises you can do in your own home.
- You can also try the exercise suggestions on the NHS Fitness Studio, and have a look at Sport England for some ideas for keeping active at home.
Get your flu jab
This winter, the free flu vaccine will be offered to a record 30 million people to help protect as many as possible from flu and ease pressure on the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Look after your mental health
The pandemic has increased the mental health pressures on many people this year but lots of support and advice is available if you're worried about your own, or someone else’s, mental health this winter.
Read our seven steps to looking after your wellbeing and find out where you can get support.
Keep warm and well
- Keeping well will allow you to do more and keep your independence. Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health. Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems. Check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather.
- Heating your home to at least 18C is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease.
- Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour – get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day.
- Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good for maintaining body heat.
- Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well. Remember to follow the Covid-19 guidance on meeting with others.
- Get advice on reducing your bills and making your home warmer:
