As colder weather approaches and with many people struggling with the rising cost of living, the Council’s public health team have delivered ‘winter well packs’ to around 2,000 vulnerable residents across the borough.
The winter well pack includes some essential items like practical items including a warm blanket, clothing, room thermometer and a torch. Plus information on:
- Top tips to save money – also includes a list of crisis and emergency support with food, energy bills and money worries
- Sure Start to later life – local services to help older people to stay well in later life
- Guide to COVID and Flu vaccinations in Halton – lots of places locally to get vaccinations including local pharmacies offering COVID/Flu jabs at the same time.
People receiving the packs are elderly or have a long-term health condition and receive support or care from the Council’s adult social care service.
Cllr Marie Wright, the Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “This winter we wanted to give a bit of extra help to residents who are most likely to be vulnerable to the cold. Keeping warm is essential for keeping well and having a few practical items and being prepared can really make a difference. We also wanted to make sure people know where to get help locally if they are struggling or are making ‘heating or eating’ decisions. I would encourage everyone to have a look at our dedicated cost-of-living web pages which gives information and contact details.”
The public health team have received several messages of thanks from residents who appreciated the winter well packs and were already making use of the items.
Cost of living support for Halton residents
There is help and support with cost-of-living for everyone at www.halton.gov.uk/costofliving giving information and services available from the Council, local partners and organisations who are helping people with:
- Food including details of social supermarkets and community shop
- Heating and energy bills – energy efficiency, emergency vouchers, affordable warmth
- Water – water and money saving advice
- Housing – housing solutions for renters and homeowners
- Crisis/Emergency support – financial and other help
- Help with money worries and mental health
- Places of warmth – venues and events that offer a warm place
The public health team can be contacted via e-mail at public.health@halton.gov.uk or telephone 0151 511 5200.