How to help family, neighbours and vulnerable people this winter
Be a helping hand to your elderly neighbours, friends, and family members this winter.
Follow these steps to ensure their safety and well-being.
Keep in touch and offer practical help
- Reach out — regularly check on your family, friends, or neighbours
- Assist with errands — offer to go to the pharmacy or supermarket for them
Tips for keeping them safe outdoors
- Footwear — ensure they wear shoes with good grip to prevent falls
- Warm clothing — advise them to wear warm clothes and cover their mouths with scarves when going outside
Health and prescriptions
- Prescriptions — make sure they refill prescriptions before pharmacies close for holidays
- Health appointments — help them get to essential health appointments
If you’re worried about their well-being
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Local council or Age UK — if you’re concerned, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline at 0800 678 1602 (available 8am to 7pm every day)
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Medical emergencies — if you think someone needs urgent medical assistance , call NHS 111 for advice. For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999