Planning ahead by keeping up to date with the weather forecast, checking food and medicine stock and taking measures to reduce draughts at home are some of the steps residents can take to benefit their comfort and wellbeing. 

Cold weather can increase the risk of serious health problems and is often associated with a rise in seasonal illnesses such as flu. Residents who are eligible are therefore urged to take up their flu vaccination as soon as possible to help reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell this winter.

Residents are also encouraged to check in on older relatives, friends and neighbours during periods of cold weather, particularly those who live alone or are living with long-term health conditions and may need additional support.

Support is available for residents, which includes help with energy costs, energy efficiency advice, warm spaces across the borough and wider cost-of-living support. 

“ With colder weather forecast, now is the time to take a few simple steps to protect yourself and those around you who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather. This includes older people, very young children and people with long-term conditions, as it can have a serious impact on health.

One of the important things you can do is to get your flu vaccination as soon as possible, which will help reduce the risk of serious illness due to flu during the winter months.

We also encourage you to keep your home warm where possible, aiming for at least 18°C in rooms you regularly use, check in on friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support, and make sure they have enough food and medicine during the cold weather.”

If you need health advice, your local pharmacy can help with many minor common winter illnesses, and support can also be provided by your local GP surgery. For urgent medical help, use NHS 111 online or call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999. “

Dr Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health
Walsall Council

Information about homelessness and rough sleeping

Individuals experiencing homelessness face an increased risk of cold-related illnesses.

The Rough Sleepers Team have been completing outreach work, identifying homeless individuals and providing guidance and shelter as needed during the current cold weather.

To report rough sleepers in Walsall and request assistance from the team, please make a referral using the following method:

Streetlink website: http://thestreetlink.org.uk

Email: RooflessReferral@walsall.gov.uk

Tel 01922 652250 – Option 4.

You may also find the following website useful when supporting a rough sleeper or someone facing homelessness: https://streetsupport.net

• Cold-health alerts published by the UK Health Security Agency are available on GOV.UK: Cold health alerts | UKHSA data dashboard 
• The Adverse Weather and Health Plan aims to protect individuals and communities from the health effects of adverse weather and to build community resilience.
• The NHS has advice on how to keep warm and well during the cold weather.
• Residents who need help keeping their home warm, paying for food, housing and other bills can visit our cost-of-living support webpages.
• Warm spaces are also available and open for residents to access where they live. To find a warm space visit the Walsall Community Network website.
• Residents living in Walsall can get help with energy efficiency through the Walsall Energy Action Project.  Support is also available through Act on Energy.
• Groundwork’s Green Doctors help UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save money on household bills by offering free and impartial advice. Visit Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork for more information.