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Cold weather support and advice

As the weather gets colder, it can be harder to keep warm and healthy. Here is some  advice and tips for looking after yourself and others in winter.

Your home

Lots of us spend more time at home during the winter and it can get especially cold overnight. Here are some things that might help you at home.

Being warm at home

Energy Saving Trust recommend setting your central heating to between 18°C and 21°C, if you can. It can be better to wear a few thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layer.

For help with energy bills and energy efficiency:

London Fire Brigade have advice for using electric blankets safely. They also have advice for using portable heaters, gas fires and open fires safely.

Draughts and insulation

Many homes have cracks or gaps that let warm air escape and cold air in. You can most easily find them when it’s windy. Covering these cracks and gaps can help make your home warmer. Try these solutions:

  • heavy curtains over windows
  • draught excluders at the bottom of doors – you can buy specific material or you can make your own
  • letterbox cover for the inside of the door
  • fillers, mastic or caulk for gaps in floorboards and skirting boards

If the insulation in your home could be better, you could apply for a warm home grant to pay for the work.

Damp and mould

Cold weather can cause damp and condensation in your home, which can lead to mould. Mould can affect your health and make existing conditions worse. Find out how to spot signs of mould.

If you do spot damp or mould and you’re a:

Repairs

It’s a good idea to get your boiler or other heating system serviced every year, if you can. This can make sure it’s running properly. If you own your home, you’ll have to pay for this. If you’re renting, your landlord should arrange and pay for the service.

If your heating system has broken and you’re a:

Your health and wellbeing

Here are some ways to look after your health during the winter.

Illness and health conditions

Cold weather can affect everyone, but some people are more at risk of illness than others. Some steps you could take are:

If you’re worried about your health at any point, speak to your local pharmacy, book an appointment with your GP or call the NHS non-emergency line on 111. In an emergency, call 999.

Eating well

It’s important for your health to eat as healthily as you can. Some ways you can do this are:

Mental health and loneliness

Mental health can affect us all year round, but sometimes more so in the winter. Find out what support is available for your mental health.

The festive season can feel very lonely for some. Find support if you’re feeling lonely.

Being active

Moving about and getting fresh air can benefit your health and help you warm up. You can be active and meet new people on our wellbeing walks. We also have a map of parks and green spaces in Camden.

Check the weather forecast before you leave the house and dress appropriately. Wear shoes with good grip to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.

Your community

Here are some ideas for looking after your neighbours and your area.

Warm spaces

There are warm spaces across the borough, where you’ll find a friendly and safe place to work or relax. They’re in community buildings such as libraries and children's centres. Everyone is welcome.

Find out more about our warm spaces.

Connecting with your community

Feeling connected to the people around us can help us to feel happier, and even reduces our risk of health problems. There are lots of ways to meet new people and get involved in your local area. Find free and low-cost ideas you can connect with your community.

Find out what events are on at your local library, where you could meet like-minded people. Visit Love Camden to find a big variety of events across the borough, from art exhibitions to theatre shows.

If you have children, there are events and activities for all ages, as well as SEND-specific events and activities for all ages. You can keep your children entertained and meet other parents and carers.

Looking out for your neighbours

Check in on your neighbours, especially older ones. Ask if they’re feeling unwell or need any support. You could see if they need help with getting food or medication.

If you think someone needs more support, you can report any concerns to adult social care.

You can let us know if you see anyone sleeping rough so we can support them.

Roads and green spaces

Find out which roads we grit and where to find grit bins in icy weather.

Contact our green spaces team to report fallen trees and branches.