Health and care partners launch campaign to encourage people to Stay Well This Winter
The Stay Well This Winter campaign provides advice and guidance on how to manage your health, gives practical tips on keeping your home warm and safe and details where you can access support in the community.
With the arrival of colder weather and temperatures continuing to drop across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, Health partners, local councils and voluntary sector organisations across the area have joined together to launch this campaign which supports local people to stay well.
It is led by local people who have benefitted from taking proactive steps to stay well, as well as people who have given up their own time to volunteer and make a difference in their local community.
It features Jill, a volunteer befriender in Southmead, Georgia a benefits advisor from Kingswood, Jodie a Bristol resident who uses the NHS app to stay on top of prescription orders and Jess a community pharmacist in Bedminster.
The Stay Well This Winter campaign provides guidance across 10 topics to help people this winter. They include:
- Boosting your immunity
- Staying warm and well
- Making your home winter safe
- Managing cost of living worries
- Protecting your mental health
- Talking to your pharmacist
- Staying active
- Picking up prescriptions
- Looking out for others
- Looking after yourself
You can view all the advice and guidance on the Stay Well This Winter campaign webpage.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:
“Winter conditions can be bad for our health, especially if we already have a long-term health condition which makes us more vulnerable. That’s why it is so important to take proactive action.
“By getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, keeping your home warm when temperatures drop and making small tweaks to avoid slips and trips at home, you can put yourself in the best shape to stay well this winter.”
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee at Bristol City Council, said:
“Local partners are working closely together to provide as much support and advice as possible to support people to stay well. This campaign encourages people to take the initiative with their health this winter to ensure they stay well. By taking small steps, we can protect ourselves and support our local communities.
“I’d especially encourage eligible people to take up the flu and COVID-19 vaccines which are essential not just for your health, but for protecting those around you. It’s a simple step to safeguard yourself and your community.”
Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services at North Somerset Council, said:
“Winter can be a challenging time for all of us, but even more so for those who are vulnerable and isolated. Reaching out to a family member or neighbour to check on their health and surroundings can make a huge difference on their physical health and have a significant impact on their mental wellbeing too.”
Sarah Weld, Director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“We’re using this campaign to encourage people to take steps to help themselves and those around them stay healthy. Whilst the colder days may make us want to stay inside, finding ways to be active can also help protect your health and wellbeing. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving. Eating a healthy balanced diet can help you to feel your best and keep your energy levels up too.”