Winter weather
Elderly and vulnerable residents
Older adults (especially those over 75), and those with long term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of winter weather.
This year, these impacts are likely to be exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, with high energy and other living costs meaning that more people than usual will be vulnerable to the health impacts of cold.
The below page is designed to highlight resources useful for people who live with, work with or care for older adults, and those with long term health conditions.
This page will be updated as more support becomes available, but is not exhaustive. If you have suggestions of other resources to include, please email PublicHealth@southwark.gov.uk.
Resources you can share with older adults and those with long term conditions
Winter wellness information
Age UK have produced a winter wrapped up information guide with information on keeping warm, health issues to look out for in winter, and where to get help.
Cost of living support information
The Southwark Cost of Living booklet contains information on support and advice available to Southwark residents.
NHS stay well this winter leaflet
The NHS have produced a national stay well this winter leaflet for 2022. It is also available in braille, easy read, large print and BSL formats.
Worrying about money leaflet
Citizens Advice Southwark and partners have produced a worrying about money leaflet. It is also available in Spanish.
Services/support for older adults and vulnerable residents
Emergency support with food, prescriptions and money
- The Southwark Community Support Alliance can help vulnerable residents with food, mental and physical wellbeing, financial support and translated information.
- You can refer someone for support via online form, email or by calling 020 7525 5000 and choosing option 3.
- Emergency grants from Southwark Council and local charities are available for those experiencing financial hardship.
Health and wellbeing support this winter
- Ageing Well Southwark (a partnership between local voluntary sector organisations and the council) accept referrals for over 60s. They can signpost service users to a holistic range of advice and support. They also operate a helpline to discuss support available: 0207 525 3324.
- Encourage those you work with to visit Southwark Warm Spaces this winter for free activities, hot drinks and snacks in a cosy environment.
- Support those you work with to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. Find further information on vaccinations.
Keeping your home warm and safe
- Southwark Energy Savers (delivered by Citizen’s Advice Southwark) provides advice on energy saving. If you're eligible, they can refer you to other local or regional forms of support to help reduce your energy bills or improve the energy efficiency of your home. The service is open to everyone living/working in Southwark.
Financial advice and support
- You can refer to Citizens Advice Southwark for advice on what benefits people you work with are entitled to, and other generalist advice.
Support for those experiencing food insecurity
- View a full list of support available in Southwark to those experiencing food insecurity, including food banks, community pantries selling low cost food, and the Southwark school holiday food and fun programme.
Page last updated: 13 January 2023
