Janine- Writer: Danny Wilkinson
- Editor: Daniel Ryntjes
- Contributor: Jonathan Lawrence
- Published 08/02/2024
We’re witnessing massive swings in winter weather conditions, from unseasonably warm to those more familiar blankets of frost and snow. This unpredictability, particularly the harsh cold fronts, presents challenges to our well-being and safety.
Use this guide to keep well during the winter time: preventative measures to avoid slips and falls; safety tips within your home; and encouragement to get the flu and COVID jab. These risks have increased because of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, making it difficult to afford to heat our homes. For some people feeling the strain, it will mean making tough trade-off decisions about the affordability of food, clothing, and heating. Below you’ll see we’ve included a list of great organisations in our area (and some national ones too) there for you to contact if you need extra support or advice.
Heating Your Haven:
It is important to heat your home. Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health, especially for those with health conditions, such as high blood pressure. When we are cold, our blood becomes thicker, which can cause clotting, and that may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Breathing in cold air also increases the chance of chest infections which can lead to pneumonia. Individuals at higher risk need to heat their homes properly with central heating, stoves, or fires. Remember to install and test smoke detectors regularly and use fire guards around open fires. The NHS advises people to move their body around with some exercise to ward off the cold and prevent clots. This could be done by exercise or maybe even a dance. This will also raise your spirits and bring some extra winter cheer to you and your loved ones.
Insulating your home will keep the heat in while lowering the cost of energy bills in the long run. Schemes such as Home Plus Leeds support people with cold-related health conditions, or financial difficulties to afford to heat their homes and they provide energy-saving advice.
There are also many warm spaces available in Leeds, if you need a break from the cold and are struggling to afford the heating to be on, check out the map from Leeds City Council and Voluntary Action Leeds, it can help find your nearest warm space, (remember check dates and times, some can only be open for selected periods): https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/d6adbf692a7b4cfb8250b36bf8501a90/
Slay the Slippery Slopes:
A good way to avoid wintertime slips and falls is to reduce the temptation to rush around or take shortcuts through icy or snowy patches. Bear in mind that some of the worst falls occur in places where the ice isn’t even visible. When you’re out and about, wear flat shoes with rubber soles. They provide better traction than leather soles or high heels. Allow some extra time to get where you need to be, and make sure you retain your stability and balance if you’re carrying shopping bags.
Jab It and Beat the Bugs:
During the winter our immune systems are compromised and the spread of flu and COVID-19 through our community hits those with health conditions hardest. The NHS is offering flu and Covid-19 vaccinations to anyone at a higher risk. Despite the ravages of the pandemic being largely behind us, COVID-19 is still spreading and mutating. So it is important to build up your army of antibodies by getting an updated jab.
You can book a COVID vaccine via the NHS App on your phone, or by visiting http://www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations, or by calling 119
Financial Support in a Time of Pinch:
The cost-of-living crisis adds another layer to winter’s challenges, making it tough to afford heat, food, and clothing. Fortunately, Leeds offers a wealth of free, confidential support. From debt and energy advice to food banks and mental health resources, these organizations are here to help:
- Leeds City Council Money Information Centre: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/leedsmic
- Saint Vincent’s: https://svp.org.uk/stvincentsleeds/contact-us
- Money Buddies: https://moneybuddies.org.uk/contact-us/
- Better Leeds Communities: https://betterleeds.org.uk/
- Groundwork’s Green Doctors: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor/
- Step Change Debt Charity: https://www.stepchange.org/
Food Banks for Empty Pantries:
No one should go hungry in winter. If you need a hot meal or food parcel, these local resources are ready to help, please remember to check if you’re eligible for any services before turning up, it’ll make life easier for you and the volunteers and employees at the services:
- Nerukas Kitchen: Free hot food and food parcels (Harehills) – (website is currently down, so not verified)
- St. Aiden’s Church: Free food for vulnerable individuals (no referral needed), Saturdays 10am to 12:30pm – https://twitter.com/aidan_leeds
- Trussell Trust: Emergency food parcels (referral needed) – https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/leedssouthandeast/
Other Food Support Services:
- St. Anne’s Resource Centre: 230 York Road, Leeds, LS9 8TJ. Offers a community pantry with affordable food and other essentials. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-1pm and Fridays 10am-3pm. https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/service/st-annes-resource-centre/
- St. George’s Crypt: 27 Lower Briggate, Leeds, LS1 4AW. Offers hot meals and other support services to people experiencing homelessness. Open daily 10am-4pm.
Additional Resources:
- Leeds Food Aid Network: https://leedsfoodaidnetwork.co.uk/ This website provides a comprehensive list of food banks and other food support services in Leeds, including East Leeds.
- Community Help Leeds: https://helpinleeds.com/ This website provides information on a wide range of support services available in Leeds, including food banks and other food support services.
Mind Your Mental Health:
Winter’s darkness can affect our mood. Mindwell, a local mental health website, offers support and resources: https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/
Remember: Your local pharmacy is a great resource for non-emergency health advice.
Bonus Tips:
- Compton Centre Community Hub and Library can assist with various needs, including housing, job seeking, and even period products! You can also find community groups and Wi-Fi facilities there.
- Care and repair Leeds: helps those over the age of 60, young children and people with serious health conditions heat their homes and keep safe throughout the winter period. Address: 323 Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 4HT. Telephone: 0113 2406009 Email: Email: enquiries@care-repair-leeds.org.uk
- Leeds Age UK: offers free expert advice to anyone over the phone, help at-home services provides support services for elderly people who wish to stay at home and hospital-to-home services. Telephone: 0113 3893000 Email: info@ageukleeds.org.uk
Conclusion:
Facing winter’s fickle fingers with knowledge and support is key to staying safe and well. So, embrace the cosy evenings, get your jab, and remember, Leeds has your back through the frosty months. Let’s make this winter a season of resilience and community spirit!
