Cold homes and dark winter months have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.
Staying warm over the colder months is a good preventative measure against colds, flu or more serious conditions such as heart attacks, pneumonia and depression.
The chances of these problems are higher if you are vulnerable to cold related illnesses because of one or more of the following:

  • you’re over 65
  • you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating)
  • you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
  • you are disabled

Often older people fall into more than one of these categories and energy bills can leave you feeling nervous about turning up the heating and understandably so. Receiving an unexpectedly big bill at the end of the month or year can be a daunting prospect for anyone.
The Sikh Elders Service knows this can be a challenging time for older people, especially for those most at risk from social isolation. Our winter wellbeing scheme will enable specially trained volunteers to deliver a winter warmth campaign over the coldest months of January to March ensuring older people from South Asian communities have access to help and support at this time of year.
Accessing schemes such as this can help reduce risk, as well as act as a welcome tonic against loneliness. We will;

  • Help you to access GP and hospital appointments.
  • Help with shopping.
  • Assess your needs with you and signpost you to Punjabi meals, luncheon groups, Telecare and befriending groups.
  • Make referrals to Adult Social Care for additional support.

Stock up

It can put your mind at rest just knowing you have supplies for the winter months. If you can, try to have a stock of tinned fruit and vegetables, dried goods such as rice and salt for icy steps and pathways. It is also a good idea to have a supply of all your medicines, just in case you run out.
If you are someone, or know someone, particularly at risk it is worth referring into one of the many winter warmth schemes in Leeds. For information on Sikh Elders Winter Wellbeing campaign please call 0113 216 3143 or email sikhelders@touchstonesupport.org.uk