Eating well, having enough food, and knowing how to prepare healthy meals are all key to staying well during the winter months. This is especially important for those more vulnerable to the cold, such as older people, those with health conditions, and very young children.
Keeping warm is also vital for maintaining good health in winter. The NHS recommends heating your home to at least 18 degrees. However, we recognise that the current price of energy and food is putting financial pressure on many people.
With this in mind, we’ve launched the Eat and Heat campaign with our partners Age UK South Gloucestershire, Warm and Well and Cook Stars Bristol North and South Gloucestershire. The campaign highlights the financial support available and provides guidance on other ways residents can get help, including food support and energy-saving advice.
As part of the campaign, we will be holding a series of roadshows across where residents can access information and advice. The first events will take place in our One Stop Shops in November (all 9am-12pm):
- Tuesday 4November, Kingswood One Stop Shop
- Wednesday 5November, Patchway One Stop Shop
- Thursday 6November, Yate One Stop Shop
There will be further pop-up events at various locations, details will be publicised in due course.
For guidance on financial support and advice on local services, visit our dedicated cost of living website at southglos.gov.uk/costofliving
Our One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Yate and Patchway are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Residents can also call the council’s freephone helpline on 0800 953 7778.
Community Welcome Spaces are open across South Gloucestershire providing a warm and friendly welcome. Some offer hot drinks, activities and facilities plus information on local financial support available, energy saving tips and government help. To find a Community Welcome Space visit southglos.gov.uk/community-welcome-spaces
South Gloucestershire Libraries are always free to visit and host a variety of activities. Information can be found at southglos.gov.uk/libraries
Support is also available to make sure residents are getting enough to eat. For advice on emergency food aid, healthy start vouchers, free school meals and more, visit oneyou.southglos.gov.uk/food
Free mental health and wellbeing support is available at oneyou.southglos.gov.uk
Age UK South Gloucestershire offers a wide variety of services for older people and their carers, including befriending schemes, walking groups, information and advice services, and activities that promote social connection and wellbeing. Call 01454 411707 or visit ageuk.org.uk/southgloucestershire
Warm and Well, managed by sustainability charity Severn Wye, helps residents improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty. They offer advice, home visits, and fully funded energy improvements. Call 0800 500 3076 for more information or visit warmandwell.co.uk
Seasonal vaccinations help protect you and those around you from serious illnesses, while staying active is also vital in winter to support overall wellbeing. For more information visit nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well
We would appreciate your help in sharing the suggested social media posts and images below on your own channels. Alternatively, you can share the messages directly from the council’s social media platforms:
Facebook: facebook.com/sgloscouncil
X (formerly Twitter): x.com/sgloscouncil