Stockport Council has re-launched its Kill the Chill campaign to make sure the local community is prepared for the winter months.

Each year, thousands of people die in England as a result of cold weather. Keeping warm and safe over cold periods can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia.

There are simple things you can do for yourself and others, as well as ways the Council can help you, to keep warm and stay healthy this winter:

• Looks after yourself this winter: Make sure you get your flu jab if you are aged 65 or older, are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, a serious medical condition or are a carer for someone. The NHS also recommends that all 2, 3 and 4 year olds are vaccinated against flu. The vaccine is given as a nasal spray and is painless, safe and effective. Your local GP can offer these for free. Find out more at: www.stockport.gov.uk/fluvaccinations
• Look after others this weekend: As the weather turns colder spare a thought and a little time for your Neighbours. If you can, check on older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.
• Look after your home this weekend: You can also make your home warmer and cut your energy bills now. The Kill the Chill campaign brings together schemes being delivered across Stockport, from fuel switching, energy advice, fuel debt advice and now the Greater Manchester Little Bill campaign, which helps home owners and landlords or tenants to install energy saving measures to their homes.
• Be prepared this winter: Stay safe and keep up to date with any winter disruptions such as school or road closures and gritting updates to prevent leaving the house when unnecessary. Signing-up to cold weather alerts can also help you plan for winter weather.

Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “The Council wants to make sure that Stockport residents are warm and healthy during this winter. We offer a variety of resources and advice to make sure everyone have the necessary support throughout winter, as well as how to be prepared for extreme conditions.”

Stockport Council will be working in partnership with the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and other public agencies to ensure it tackles the avoidable effects on health during periods of cold weather, as well as responds in a timely way to any disruptions due to excess cold weather.

Further information is available at www.stockport.gov.uk/killthechill

 

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