Health and wellbeing
Residents advised to keep warm and well as cold health alert issued
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Walsall residents are encouraged to take steps to keep warm and well, as a yellow cold-health alert is in place from Monday 17 November until Saturday 22 November.
Planning ahead by keeping up to date with the weather forecast, checking food and medicine stock and taking measures to reduce draughts at home are some of the steps residents can take to stay comfortable and maintain their wellbeing. Eligible residents should also get their flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal vaccinations to protect themselves and reduce the risk of serious illness.
“ With colder weather forecast this week, it is important to look after your wellbeing and that of those around you. Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable to cold weather.
You should maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by trying to heat your home to at least 18°C, and to take other measures to protect yourself such as wearing lots of layers and keeping bedroom windows closed.
I would also encourage you to get support for fuel bills and payments or help with heating and insulation in your home.
Keep in touch with others and ask if they need any practical help such as stocking up on food and medicine. “
Winter conditions can affect your health, and it is important to think which service is right for you at the right time. For everyday health needs, visit the NHS website, your local pharmacy, or contact your GP for advice and ongoing care. If you need urgent medical help (but it’s not an emergency), use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for clinical advice, assessment, and guidance to the right service. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 immediately.
Information about homelessness and rough sleeping
Individuals experiencing homelessness face an increased risk of cold-related illnesses because they often lack shelter, as well as consistent access to showers and drinking water.
The Rough Sleepers Team staff have been completing outreach work, identifying homeless individuals and providing guidance and shelter as needed during the current cold weather.
To report rough sleepers in Walsall and request assistance from the team, please make a referral using the following method:
Streetlink website: http://thestreetlink.org.uk
Email: RooflessReferral@walsall.gov.uk
Tel 01922 652250 – Option 4.
You may also find the following website useful when supporting a rough sleeper or someone facing homelessness: https://streetsupport.net
Additional information and support
- Cold-health alerts published by the UK Health Security Agency are available on GOV.UK dashboard: Cold health alerts | UKHSA data dashboard
- Full details about the Cold Health alert service can be found on the Met Office website.
- The Adverse Weather and Health Plan aims to protect individuals and communities from the health effects of adverse weather and to build community resilience.
- The NHS has advice on how to keep warm and well during the cold weather.
- Residents who need help keeping their home warm, paying for food, housing and other bills can visit our cost-of-living support portal.
- Residents living in Walsall can get help with energy efficiency through the Walsall Energy Action Project.
- Support is also available through Act on Energy.
- Groundwork’s Green Doctors help UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save money on household bills by offering free and impartial advice. Visit Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork for more information.
