Winter health advice

Very cold weather can increase the risk of:

• heart attacks
• strokes
• severe breathing problems
• the number of falls

The advice is to stay well and look out for vulnerable friends and neighbours by checking they are warm enough, especially at night, and that they have food and medicines so they don't need to go out.

As the nights get cold and dark it can be tempting to stay in the house. This can leave people feeling lonely or isolated. If you are feeling lonely or isolated, we have over sixty welcoming places in South Tyneside that you can visit, get a cup of tea and meet other people. 

Find your nearest hub at welcoming places in South Tyneside. 

Winter weather advice

• Make a plan for someone to help you clear snow or ice from the front of your home if you need to leave your house.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can plan your activity.
• Check daytime room temperature and keep it at 18 °C (65 °F).
• Check bedroom night-time temperature and keep it at 18 °C (65 °F) or warmer.
• If you have to go out make sure you dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes.
• Always tell someone where you are going and let them know when you get back. If you have a mobile phone keep it charged and on you at all times.
• Keep active even if you can't leave the house.
• Dress warmly, eat warm food and drinks regularly.

Keeping your home warm and safe

There are steps you can take to keep your home warm this winter. 

You can prevent your water pipes from freezing by insulating them and draft-proofing around your windows and doors to keep the cold out. 

You should avoid blocking ventilation points in your home.  

Before the cold weather starts, you should also check that your heating is working properly.

Heating utilities

If you can, get an energy efficiency assessment done of your home to see how much money or energy can be saved to help you to stay warm this winter.

Ask your fuel supplier if they have a priority services register and if you would qualify. This will mean that you are prioritised if there are any problems with energy supply.

If you are struggling with your energy bills talk to your supplier who can offer advice around this.

If you use separate fuel such as wood or coal, make sure you have a good supply in case of bad weather.

Fire safety

The Fire Service offer free safe and well checks, to check how safe and healthy your home is. 

To request a visit please visit Safelincs: Online home fire safety check or call 0800 0327777. 

For more information on staying well in winter and how to look after vulnerable neighbours, see NHS: How to stay well in Winter.

You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home.

Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment.

For more information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient, see Simple Energy Advice, or call the Simple Energy Advice helpline on 0800 444 202.

For more information about financial support, see cost of living support and GOV.UK: Benefits and financial support if you're on a low income.

It's worth claiming all the benefits you're entitled to as soon as winter begins.

Groundwork's Green Doctors 

Groundwork's Green Doctors help households stay warm, stay well, save money on their household bills and reduce carbon. 

You may be eligible for the Green Doctor service if one the below apply:

• Have a low income
• Receive tax credits
• Receive Housing Benefit
• Receive an income or disability related benefit
• Have a long term illness or disability

Call the friendly team on 0191 424 7373 and they will arrange a referral for you. 

For more information, see Groundwork: Green Doctor

Help with food

Find out more at Food banks.

Winter can be an expensive time for people.

You can find out what benefits you may be entitled to, to help with living costs by contacting support@southtyneside.gov.uk or calling 0191 424 6040. 

You can access free impartial benefits advice face to face, by telephone or home visit appointments.

Winter is a time where more people get colds, coughs and flu.

Getting your COVID and Flu vaccination is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell this winter.

You can book your jab through your GP or local pharmacy.

For more information see NHS Flu Vaccine and COVID vaccine. 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is when a person's normal body temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F) drops below 35°C (95°F).

It is usually caused by being in a cold environment and can be triggered by a combination of things.

For more information on hypothermia, see NHS: Hypothermia.

Be ready for winter

Most normally healthy people with a winter illness do not need to see their GP, attend A&E or need to call 999.

Colds, sore throats, head-aches, hangovers, upset stomachs, coughs, aches, pains, and winter vomiting should all be treated at home or with the advice of your local pharmacist, with pain killers, rest and plenty of fluids.

What to keep in your medicine cabinet

Everyone is at risk for a fall, especially in slippery weather. Falling is a big cause of ending up in hospital and can result in serious injury.

There's no reason to restrict your activities away from home because you may be worried about falling, but it makes sense to take some simple precautions:

• Take your time and don't rush. Scan the area for trip or slip hazards before walking
• Carrying shopping bags can obstruct your view of the pavement; consider using a rucksack or cart instead (it's also better for your back)
• Watch out for shop entrances with 'lipped' door frames, especially if you're stepping in out of the bright light
• Watch out for subtle changes in gradient, especially near pedestrian crossings

Pets need extra special care during the cold winter months.

For more information on keeping pets safe in winter, see RSPCA: Animal welfare advice for winter.

See Emergency phone numbers

Children's emergency services at South Tyneside District Hospital

Overnight emergency care for children up to the age of 16 is provided by the Children's Emergency Department at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Children's emergency care will still be available every day from 8am until 10pm at South Tyneside District Hospital.

Adult emergency care services operate 24/7 at South Tyneside District Hospital.

Food banks

Food banks provide for individuals and families in crisis for example sudden unemployment, delays in benefit payments, benefits sanctions and financial problems.

For more information, see food banks.

Low cost meals