Please make sure that your child attends school with appropriate clothing for cold weather: jumpers, coats, gloves and hats.
You are probably aware that there is a 90% probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions from 18:00 on Wednesday 7th Dec and 09:00 on Monday 12th Dec in the Southeast, including West Berkshire. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
With this in mind we are attaching some key resources, forwarded on from West Berkshire Council, detailing guidance and advice for you to keep warm and well:
‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ leaflet for the public and professionals, giving advice on staying well in cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyles, the flu vaccine and heating advice:
Cold Weather Plan For England:
A slide deck with all the key messages and actions for cold weather preparedness in Berkshire:
‘Stay Well This Winter’ NHS leaflet:
Advice and recommendations for home improvements using the government website: https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
Energy Saving Trust: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/
Connecting Communities in Berkshire (tailored energy advice): https://ccberks.org.uk/our-projects/energy-advice-and-fuel-poverty/
Advice for the public on financial support and benefits can be found on the Government website and our West Berkshire Council website page, West Berkshire Council Cost of Living Hub, which will provide advice and practical support for anyone in financial hardship this will be the latest in a range of support for residents impacted by the rising cost of living. This includes:
A £100,000 Emergency Cost of Living Crisis Fund - support front line charities to help residents
A new online resource is now available to help residents worried about paying bills find out about help available locally.
Information on Help and support with saving energy
Further guidance from West Berkshire to follow regarding cold weather:
Heating homes to at least 18°C (65F) in winter poses minimal risk to the health of a sedentary person, wearing suitable clothing.
The 18°C (65F) threshold is particularly important for people 65 years and over or with pre-existing medical conditions; having temperatures slightly above this threshold may be beneficial for health.
Maintaining the 18°C (65F) threshold overnight may be beneficial to protect the health of those 65 years and over or with pre-existing medical conditions; they should continue to use sufficient bedding, clothing and thermal blankets, or heating aids as appropriate
There is an existing recommendation to reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Advice is that rooms in which infants sleep should be heated to between 16 to 20°C (61 to 68F)
Winter Vaccination Information Vaccines are the best defence we have against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections such as flu. They provide good protection against hospitalisation and death. They also reduce the risk of long-term symptoms. The government is offering help for households, see what cost of living support you could be eligible for. Eligible groups for the FREE flu jab can be found here and eligible groups for the COVID-19 booster can be found here. If you have any questions/queries please feel free to contact: publichealthandwellbeing@Westberks.gov.uk