Keeping Warm in Winter
Get warm, get a vaccine and get help to pay energy bills
There are many things you can do to keep warm during the cold months of the year. You can also prevent serious illness during the cold.
If you are concerned about not being able to pay your energy bills, there is information and advice available.
Warm Spaces
| Venue | Time / Location(s) |
|---|---|
| Irish Network | Monday 10:15am to 12:15pm - The Oval Tuesday 10am to 12 noon - The Oval Thursday 9:30am to 11am - Poplars Community Centre |
| Bedwell Community Centre | Tuesday 8:30am to 2pm Friday 8:30am to 12 noon |
| Junction 7, Town Centre | Saturday 11am to 4pm |
| Chells Manor Community Centre | Monday 1pm to 12:30pm |
| Crossroads Care (focussed on carers) | Tuesday 10am to 12noon |
| St Nicholas Community Centre | Monday and Wednesday 1:30pm to 3:30pm |
| Oval Community Centre | Thursday 12 noon to 2pm |
| Porch Pantry, St Andrew and St George Church | Tuesday 10:30am to 12 noon |
| The Muster Point Veterans Café (Veterans and their carers) | Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon |
Tips to keep warm
Whilst it will be very cold outside, you can do the following to make sure you stay warm in your home.
- Wear layers of clothing (layers trap warm air), instead of one jumper, sweater or cardigan.
- Keep the temperature in your home at least 18 °C, but this could be higher for the elderly.
- Keeping as active as you can, will help to keep you warmer and improve your mental health.
- Have regular hot meals and hot drinks.
- Use an electric blanket or a hot water bottle during the night but not both.
- Block out draughts by keeping doors and windows closed.
Energy discounts
If you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment or the Cold Weather Payment, you are usually paid them automatically.
GOV.UK has information on the winter fuel and cold weather payment.
Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines
The flu vaccine is offered every year and provides protection from the flu. The COVID-19 booster vaccine offers more protection after the first two doses of the vaccine.
The NHS has information about the flu vaccine for adults, children and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine.
Look out for each other
The cold winter months can be hard for those that live alone. If you know someone who lives by themselves, give them a visit to find out how they are doing. You could offer to do a little shopping for them in case they cannot go out to buy the essentials.
If you are concerned about someone, please contact Adult Social Care and report a concern about an adult.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Street homeless
If you come across someone that you believe may be street homeless or roofless and in need of help, we may be able to help them.
See our Street homeless services page for further details.
Further information
- If you are a council tenant, see our winter weather advice page.
- The NHS website provides information on how to stay well in winter.
- Age UK provides information on staying healthy and warm in winter.
- In the event of severe weather in Stevenage, our services can become disrupted. See our severe weather page for more information.