Keeping Well This Winter
Below is a collection of resources to help you stay well, including information about accessing the services you need, when you need them.
As the days get colder, it is important to think about ways you can keep well over the winter months.
Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications. It also means diseases spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Keeping warm and well over the winter can help to prevent colds, Covid-19, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
Stay Warm
- Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
- Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
- If you are struggling to heat your home, you can visit a number of warm spaces in Redbridge. They include libraries and leisure centres and some offer hot drinks and Wi-Fi. costofliving.redbridge.gov. uk/community-living-rooms
Get Vaccinated
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Getting the flu and Covid-19 vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe.
For more information about winter vaccines, including who is eligible for free vaccinations visit the North East London Health & Care Partnership Vaccine Hub
Check Your Medicine Cabinet
- Make sure you have enough prescription medications. Stock up early as your GP or pharmacy may closed over the bank holidays. The best place to find an open or late night pharmacy is through the NHS website: Find a Pharmacy
- Make sure the medicine you do have is still in date.
- Stock up on essential over-the-counter medications for common winter illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats and general aches and pains. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Stay Healthy
- Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and keep active. 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.
- Wear shoes with good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
Stay Connected
- Keep in touch with your family, friends and neighbours.
- Speak to someone if you are feeling under the weather, and don't be afraid to ask if you or they need any help.
Health and Wellbeing Services in Redbridge
NHS 111
If you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life threatening, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 first.
Seeing a doctor out of hours
Urgent doctor’s appointments are available seven days a week including in the evenings, weekends and on bank holidays. Call your practice or NHS 111 to book.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can offer advice as well as medication. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.
Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. These conditions are:
- earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)
Walk-in clinics
For help with minor injuries and illnesses visit the Urgent Treatment Centres at Barking Community Hospital open 8am-9pm and King George Hospital open 24/7. Call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen.
Mental health crisis support
If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the mental health crisis line for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call NHS 111 and choose option 2.
Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge
Can provide mental health support through a range of services. Call 020 7510 1081 or visit www.mindthnr.org.uk.
Redbridge Talking Therapies
Provides support for many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, phobias, bereavement and depression. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 300 1554 and select option 1 or visit www.talkingtherapies.nelft.nhs.uk/redbridge.
Loneliness and Support Services in Redbridge
The Silver Line run by Age UK
Is a free telephone support line for older people offering confidential support and friendly conversation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call free on 0800 4 70 80 90.
Age UK in Redbridge
Provides a range of support and advice for older people as well as befriending services, falls prevention, care navigation, activities and events. Call 020 8220 6000 or visit ageuk.org.uk/redbridgebarkinghavering.
Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia Support Line
The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Call 0333 150 3456.
Dementia UK – Admiral Nurse Helpline
Speak to a specialist dementia nurse for free, confidential, expert advice and support to help you care for your loved one and cope with the daily challenges of living with dementia. Lines are open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm weekends and bank holidays. Call 0800 888 6678 or visit www.dementiauk.org.
Money Advice in Redbridge
Finance advice
Information and advice to help you through the cost of living crisis is available from Redbridge council.
Citizens Advice
Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects. Call 0808 278 7872.
Support for carers
If you’re a carer and would like some support, Redbridge Carers Support Service can help. Get in touch and find out what support you may be entitled to. Call 020 8514 6251, or email office@rcss.org.uk
Cost of Living Support in Redbridge
Support with NHS costs
While NHS care is free, there are some things you need to pay for like prescriptions and dental costs. A range of financial support is available to eligible people to help with these costs. Even if you are not eligible for free prescriptions there are ways to save money on them and you can talk to your local pharmacist about this.
Warm hubs
There are a number of warm spaces in Redbridge that you can go to if you are struggling to heat your home. They include libraries and leisure centres and some offer hot drinks and Wi-Fi.
Food banks
The Trussell Trust can provide food parcels to people who may be struggling to afford the essentials. The food bank is located at 14 Granville Rd, Ilford IG1 4JY, UK which you can access if you have a voucher. Ask them about how to get a voucher or call their Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138 for advice.
There is also a Community Grocery at City Gates in Clements Road, Ilford, which can help local families. Call 020 3422 6511.
Family Services in Redbridge
Families can get help and support from the family services hub run by Redbridge Council.
