Winter wellbeing checklists

These winter wellbeing checklists are a useful tool to help those 'at risk' of illness due to cold weather access key support and services.

Winter brings other challenges linked to cold weather such as infections including flu and COVID-19.

Using the checklists below can help ensure that people 'at risk' of illness due to cold weather can access key support and get protected.

Adult's winter wellbeing checklist

  1. Watch and listen for the Met Office cold weather alerts on TV / radio / internet. 

    Subscribe to Met Office email alerts

    Make sure you follow the recommendations in the 'Keep Warm Keep Well' leaflet and poster: 

    • heat the home to at least 18⁰C (65⁰F)
    • wear suitable clothing - several layers are better than one thick jumper
    • move around indoors and try to move about every hour to keep warm if you are able
     

  2. Vaccines are our best protection against viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Over the last few years, they have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save many lives. Getting your winter vaccines also means your symptoms will likely be milder and you will recover faster if you contract these viruses this winter. 

    In winter, flu and COVID-19 spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Getting these vaccines ahead of winter is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe and get 'winter strong'. 

    The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill or who are most likely to pass infection to other people at risk. It is important that you get vaccinated as soon as possible to give yourself the best possible protection ahead of winter. 

    In addition to flu and COVID-19, you may also be eligible for other important vaccinations, including the:

    • pneumococcal vaccine (if you are aged 65 or over)
    • RSV vaccine (if you are pregnant or aged 75 to 79 – if you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you're also eligible for the vaccine until 31 August 2025)

    These vaccinations help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, including pneumonia. 

    You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you: 

    • are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
    • have certain long-term health conditions
    • are pregnant
    • live in a care home
    • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
    • live with someone who has a weakened immune system
    • Are a frontline health and social care worker

    Eligible people can get their NHS flu vaccine at: 

    You should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you: 

    • are aged 65 or over
    • are pregnant
    • are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment
    • live in a care home for older adults

    If you are eligible, you can get a COVID-19 vaccination from: 

    • a walk-in site without an appointment. Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site (available from 3 October) Select the 'find a walk-in site' button to look for walk-in sites near you
    • at a local pharmacyusing the NHS App, National BookingsService or call the COVID-19 service on 119 (translators available)
    • GP surgery if the surgery has opted into the COVID-19 programme

    You can find the latest information about both vaccines, check your eligibility and book now at Winter vaccinations and winter health. 

    More information on the RSV vaccine and Pneumococcal vaccine.

    Booking a vaccine is quick and easy, it usually takes just a few minutes. Protect yourself this winter. Get your winter vaccinations and get 'winter strong'.

  3. If you are taking regular medication, you may need a structured medical review with a pharmacist. Contact your local pharmacist to discuss this.

    If you need more than one prescribed medication per month, you could save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).

    There is also the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) where you may be able to get help with NHS costs.

  4. If you need help with your cold or damp home, contact Home Plus (Leeds) for a free home assessment (subject to eligibility).

    Home Plus (Leeds) is for those at serious risk of falling, are struggling to heat their home or pay heating bills, who need help with repairs that may cause hazards in their home or who need information and advice to maintain their independence. For further information please visit care-repair-leeds.org.uk/home-plus-2/

    If you live in a council property and are affected by damp and mould, you can contact the damp and mould team for advice and guidance call 0800 188 4000 or email d&mteam@leeds.gov.uk.

    This video from Leeds City Council provides helpful tips to prevent mould in your home: Help to prevent mould in your home (YouTube).

  5. In Leeds, you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice on a range of money related matters such as debt, money, energy and utilities. One-to-one tailored support is available via digital, telephone, and face-to-face appointments.

    On the Leeds Money Information Centre website you can find details on where to access free, independent and confidential advice and support for a range of money related issues including:

    1. Debt and money advice
    2. Benefits advice and Universal Credit
    3. Emergency food
    4. Low cost loans
    5. Energy, utility and household bills
    6. Employment support
    7. Gambling harms

    Pension credit

    If you receive a state pension, you could be eligible to increase your weekly income by claiming Pension Credit. You might be entitled to pension credit, even if you have savings, a private pension or own your home. Claiming Pension Credit could also mean you can get extra help with the following; 

    • Help with your dental costs
    • Help with your Council Tax Bill
    • Help with your rent
    • Winter Fuel Payment
    • Help with your TV Licence if you are over 75

    Check your eligibility by visiting gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234. 

    For free, impartial and confidential advice about Pension Credit and other support you may be eligible for, you can also contact agencies listed in the 'Benefits and Universal Credit' section of Leeds Money Information Centre.

    Find out more about the support and advice available to help property owners and landlords install energy-saving measures - this includes some home improvement/energy related grants: Make your home more energy efficient.

    You can also find help and support at Together Leeds.

  6. As we get older, lots of us may start to feel a bit unsteady on our feet and become worried about falling. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to stay steady on your feet and prevent falls: 

    • keep moving to stay as mobile and independent as possible
    • eat well to keep up your strength
    • keep hydrated
    • take care of your eyes, with a check every 2 years
    • check for hearing problems - speak to your GP if you have any concerns

    Active Leeds Health Programmes team deliver a range of activities to support people to manage their health, build fitness, and develop strength and balance. Contact them by calling 0113 378 3680 or visiting https://active.leeds.gov.uk/active-leeds-health.

    Home Plus (Leeds) offers support for people at serious risk of falling, are struggling to heat their home or pay heating bills, who need help with repairs that may cause hazards in their home or who need information and advice to maintain their independence. For more information, call 0113 240 6009 or visit https://care-repair-leeds.org.uk/home-plus-leeds/ 


  7. Would any of the following be helpful to you? 

    • support with daily tasks in your home
    • personal alarms and safety alarms
    • handrails, adapted furniture and gadgets to help with mobility and daily tasks
    • ramps, stair lifts and other adaptations to help you move around safely
    • help with cleaning, gardening and delivering meals

    For more information visit Help at Home or call 0113 222 4401.

  8. Vitamin D is essential for good health and it affects people’s bones, teeth, and muscles as well as mental health and immune systems. Sunlight doesn’t contain enough UBV radiation in autumn and winter months for our skin to make vitamin D, so we rely on getting it from our food and supplements. Taking a supplement helps to keep levels of the vitamin topped up during the colder months. 

    Vitamin D supplements can be purchased over the counter from supermarkets and pharmacists but you should speak to your GP, local pharmacist, health visitor, or midwife if you have any concerns. 

    Read more on Vitamin D (NHS). 

     

  9. If you need information on the location of food providers across Leeds (for example foodbanks, community kitchens), visit the Leeds Food Aid Network map.

    If you need support with stopping smoking contact Leeds Stopping Smoking Service on 0800 169 4219 or visit Leeds Stop Smoking Services.

    If you need support with losing weight, drinking less and getting active, visit Better Health for tools and support.

    If you have concerns about alcohol dependency, contact Forward Leeds on 0113 887 2477 or visit Forward Leeds.

    If you want to connect with local services to keep active and well, visit Leeds Directory, call 0113 378 4610, or email leedsdirectory@leeds.gov.uk.

    Visit Care View Leeds for support to tackle social isolation.

    There is lots you can do to protect yourself and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours this season. Visit Together We Can (NHS) for suggestions.

  10. If you are helping to look after a friend or family member who otherwise couldn’t manage without your help due to illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem, help is available to you.

    Carers Leeds provides information, advice, and support to unpaid family carers in Leeds and to professionals working with carers.

    Carers Leeds can also provide information and advice about: 

    • writing a contingency plan that says who to contact in an emergency
    • keeping in touch with family, friends and neighbours
    • looking after your own health and wellbeing
    • what to do if you feel you cannot carry on caring

    If you want to find out more, call the service on 0113 380 4300 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email advice@carersleeds.org.uk or visit Carers Leeds.

  11. If you want to connect with local services, activities and support groups, visit Leeds Directory, call 0113 378 4610, or email leedsdirectory@leeds.gov.uk. 

    For information and resources on mental health, visit MindWell.

    For support with your mental health and wellbeing, contact the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service by calling 0113 843 4388, emailing leeds.mws@nhs.net or visiting Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service. 

    You can also access support to Linking Leeds, which is the free city-wide service that links individuals with a range of local community services to improve social, emotional and mental wellbeing. Contact the service by calling 0113 336 7612, visiting Linking Leeds or emailing linking.leeds@nhs.net. 

    Being You Leeds run a range of groups within communities for opportunities to build connections with peers in your local area. Email info@beingyouleeds.org.uk or call 0113 248 4880 to find out what groups you can attend for free in your local area.

    Feeling down and not sure where to turn? Here for you Leeds offer face-to-face support every evening from 6pm for anyone who is struggling, o may be having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Call 07760 173 476 to speak to the team.

    Find activities, services and support for older people across Leeds at Neighbourhood Network - Leeds Older People’s Forum. 

    For activities and support contact the Better Together providers: 

Children's winter wellbeing checklist

Many people in our communities are 'at increased risk' due to cold weather and infections such as flu and other respiratory viruses circulating.

If you feel unwell with cold or flu symptoms, please avoid mixing with other people and stay at home if you can. Using this checklist can help ensure that people 'at risk' of illness due to cold weather can access key support.

  1. Vaccines are our best protection against viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Over the last few years, they have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save many lives. Getting your winter vaccines also means your symptoms will likely be milder and you will recover faster if you run into these viruses this winter. 

    In winter, viruses spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Getting these vaccines ahead of winter is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe and get ‘winter strong’. 

    The free flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill or who are most likely to pass these infections to other people at risk. It is important that you get vaccinated as soon as possible to give yourself the best possible protection ahead of winter. 

    Winter vaccinations are available each year through your GP Practice, some maternity services or local pharmacy to help protect adults and children at risk. 

    Flu vaccine

    The flu vaccination is recommended for the following eligible groups: 

    • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
    • school aged children (reception to Year 11)
    • children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
    • pregnant women

    Eligible people can get their NHS flu vaccine at: 

    Get your family winter strong by booking in eligible under-5s with your GP practice or making sure you sign a consent form if one is sent home from school. 

    5 reasons your under 5 should have the flu vaccine: 

    • Protect your child: Children under 5 have the highest hospitalisation rate due to flu - 6,000 in England last winter. Vaccination cuts the hospitalisation risk by around two-thirds. It helps protect against complications like pneumonia and painful ear infections
    • Protect family and friends: Pre-schoolers are excellent at spreading germs! Vaccinating your child helps reduce the chance of others in your family who are higher risk, like grandparents or those with long-term conditions, getting flu
    • No needles: The nasal spray is painless and easy to have. It contains weakened flu viruses to help your child build immunity and fight off flu. The vaccine is absorbed into the nose really quickly, so even if your child sneezes right after, it still works. For children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injection is available
    • It’s better than having flu: The nasal spray helps protect against flu, has been given to millions of children in the UK and worldwide, and has an excellent safety record. In the last few years, the protection that children get from vaccination has been consistently higher than for adults. The vaccine is updated yearly to match flu strains, so we recommend vaccinating yearly, even if vaccinated last year
    • Avoid costs and time off work: Juggling a sick child and work is tough. Vaccinating isn't just about your child's health, it's smart for parents. If your child gets flu, you may have to take time off or find childcare. The nasal spray vaccine means fewer missed workdays and is free on the NHS

    COVID-19 vaccine

    You should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you: 

    • are pregnant
    • are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment

    If you are eligible, you can get a COVID-19 vaccination: 

    RSV vaccine

    The RSV vaccine is recommended if: 

    • You are pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they are born You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour. Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you are 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine

    Additional resources

    General information on flu, and information specific to children. 

    Additional information on the RSV vaccine.

  2. If you take regular medication, it is important to have an annual review of your medicines to check they are right for you and you are taking them properly.

    Contact your local pharmacy or GP practice to check when your next medication review is due or at any time if you have any questions.

    You may find it helpful to have prescriptions delivered, some pharmacies do it free of charge.

  3. Babies and children lose heat from their bodies faster than adults. Cold homes are linked to health problems in children including an increased risk of asthma and respiratory infections. They also may have poor sleep and reduced appetite.

    If you own your own property and are living in a cold or damp home, contact Home Plus (Leeds) for a free home visit (subject to eligibility) on 0113 240 6009 – they will provide help and guidance around heating and hot water repairs and servicing, energy efficiency measures or replacement heating systems.

  4. In Leeds, you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice on a range of money related matters such as debt, money, energy and utilities.

    One to one tailored support is available via digital, telephone and face to face appointments.

    On the local Money Information Centre website you will find details on where to access free, independent, and confidential advice and support in the following areas:

    1. Debt and money advice
    2. Benefits advice and Universal Credit
    3. Emergency food
    4. Low cost loans
    5. Energy, utility and houshold bills
    6. Employment support
    7. Gambling harms

    Find out more about the support and advice available to help property owners and landlords install energy-saving measures, including some home improvement and energy related grants: Make your home more energy efficient.

    You can also find help and support at Together Leeds.

  5. Taking a supplement helps to keep levels of the vitamin topped up during the colder months. 

    Vitamin D supplements can be purchased over the counter from supermarkets and pharmacists but you should speak to your GP, local pharmacist, health visitor, or midwife if you have any concerns.

  6. If you find it difficult to have regular meals, or you feel your lifestyle is affecting your health, the following services may be able to help:

    Local food banks.

    Healthy Start Scheme

    Healthy Start is a scheme that provides money to pregnant people or families with children under 4 to spend on healthy foods. If eligible you get: 

    • £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
    • £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
    • £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old

    To be eligible, you must be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4. You must also receive any one of the following: 

    • Universal Credit (only if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment)
    • Child Tax Credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)
    • Income Support
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
    • You, your partner, or your carer get Working Tax Credit run-on only

    To apply

    Visit Healthy Start for more information and to apply. 

    Legacy Benefit under 18s, email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 7010.

    No recourse to public funds, email healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov.uk.

    HENRY

    HENRY programmes can help you identify what changes you would like to make and decide how to make them. For children under 5 and their families, ask at your nearest children’s centre or email lcht.0-19.henry@nhs.net. 

    For children aged 5 to 12 and their families there is an online booking form. Visit School Wellbeing for further information about the HENRY Growing Up programme. 

    Visit Better Health for tools and support with losing weight, drinking less, and getting active.

    For support from the Leeds Stop Smoking Service, call 0800 169 4219.

    Contact Forward Leeds on 0113 887 2477 for concerns about alcohol dependency.

  7. It is important that you feel connected to your local community. 

    The Leeds Directory team can help you find local support: phone 0113 378 4610 or email leedsdirectory@leeds.gov.uk, weekdays 9am to 5pm.

    MindWell have mental health information in Leeds.

    MindMate is a local website with lots of ideas and activities for children to help them deal with stress.

    Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service provides support with mental health and wellbeing. Phone 0113 843 4388 or email leeds.mws@nhs.net. 

    More information is available from Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

  8. If you are helping to look after a friend or family member who otherwise couldn’t manage without your help due to illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem, help is available to you. 

    Carers Leeds provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers and professionals in Leeds and are using telephone, email, and digital platforms such as Zoom to keep in touch with carers and to provide information, advice and support for new carers. Their online support groups are providing social engagement, a range of health and wellbeing activities and facilitating peer support.

    Carers Leeds are also working with 100% Digital Leeds and Voluntary Action Leeds to provide carers with access to technology and support to use it. 

    Phone Carers Leeds on 0113 380 4300 or email advice@carersleeds.org.uk. 

    Carers Leeds can also provide information and advice about: 

    • writing a contingency plan that says who to contact in an emergency
    • keeping in touch with family, friends, and neighbours
    • looking after your own health and wellbeing
    • what to do if you feel you cannot carry on caring

  9. Watch or listen for the Met office cold weather alerts on the TV, radio and internet. 

    Heat the home to at least 18⁰C (65⁰F) and wear suitable clothing. 

    Dress your child in layers: It will help keep them warm. The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. 

    Subscribe to Met Office email alerts External link 

  10. Being at home in winter can involve dangers for small children. The Child Accident Prevention Trust: Ages and stages has information on helping children to stay safe and avoid everyday hazards, such as burns, suffocation, and choking.

If you would like a printable version of the either winter wellbeing checklist, email phrc@leeds.gov.uk to request a copy.