BRIGG PEOPLE URGED TO LOOK OUT FOR ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS & FAMILY THIS WINTER

With the cold weather setting in, North Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Clinical Commmissioning Group are urging you to look out for elderly neighbours and family, and those most vulnerable this winter.
Among those making the appeal is Brigg's own Coun Rob Waltham.
North Lincolnshire's Cabinet Member for Health, Strategic Projects and Regeneration, as well as being a member of Brigg town council and resident of our town, Coun Rob said: “During the cold winter months older people and those most vulnerable can feel very isolated, so we would urge you to check on your neighbours and family members on a regular basis. Elderly people can feel the cold a lot more than we can, so it’s vital that they keep warm to stay healthy. 
“There is a lot of support available to help keep your home warm and lower your energy costs. Not everyone will identify themselves as being in fuel poverty, but many will be anxious about home energy and fuel bills. Don’t suffer in silence; there is help out there.”
Dr Margaret Sanderson, local GP and chair of the CCG, said: “It’s important that elderly people and those who are not otherwise fit and well keep warm to help ward off winter ailments and prevent hypothermia which can be fatal. Keeping warm whether you’re at home or out and about can also help prevent more serious problems such as heart attack, stroke and pneumonia. 
“It’s really important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors,” explained Dr Sanderson. “Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights, for example. Breathing cold air can be bad for you as it increases the risk of chest problems. Wrap up when you’re out and about. If you have asthma always carry your inhaler in the cold weather and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. This will help warm up the air before you breathe it in.”
The chances of getting a serious health condition are higher if you’re vulnerable to cold related illnesses because of:

• Your age (under five or 65 and over) 
• You are on low income so can’t afford heating 
• You have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease 
• You are disabled 

It is recommended that you prepare for the cold winter months to ensure you keep warm and healthy:
Try to keep your house warm (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). If you can’t heat all of the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep. You could also use a hot water bottle of an electric blanket (not at the same time) in bed. 
Keep active when you’re indoors and try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. 
Eat well – try to make sure you have hot meals and hot drinks throughout the day and keep active in your home if you can. 
Wrap up warm whilst inside and outside. Layer your clothing and wear shoes with a good grip. If you have respiratory problems, stay inside if you can. 
Check on elderly neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe and well. Make sure they are warm enough, especially at night. Check they have food and medicines stocked up so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather. 
If you’re worried about an elderly relative or neighbour, and need some extra support, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/services-for-adults/solutions-for-you/, where you can find out what is available to help. Alternatively you can call the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.
Depending on your circumstances, financial and practical support may be available to help with heating your home through the council’s affordable warmth initiative, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/council-tax-benefits-and-housing/housing/improvements-and-funding/affordable-warmth/ for details.
Making sure your home is properly insulated is the most cost-effective way of lowering your energy bills and keeping your home warm. 
Savings can be made of around £200 off your energy bills by shopping around for a different supplier, particularly if you have never previously switched. All the hard work can be done for you through the council’s collective switching scheme that is due to start on 8 December. To find out more about the scheme, visit: www.northlincs.gov.uk/council-tax-benefits-and-housing/housing/improvements-and-funding/affordable-warmth/collective-switching/ 
Extra assistance is also available from energy suppliers for vulnerable, low-income households and those in receipt of eligible benefits.
You can also get advice on saving energy from:

• Citizens Advice Bureau on 01724 870941 
• Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 
• Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 

PICTURED ABOVE: A "white out" we encountered on King's Avenue, Brigg, a few years ago, when the snow was deep and crisp and even!