Be the warmth in your community
When cold weather comes, illness and deaths among older people and at-risk groups can rise greatly
You can help prevent this across Oxfordshire by providing support for the elderly, disabled, or anyone who feels isolated within their community. Check on vulnerable neighbours and make sure they’re warm enough this winter. If you’re worried about someone’s home being too cold, contact Better Housing Better Health - or bhbh@nef.org.uk. They can help with:
- cheaper prices for gas and electricity
- discounts for insulating homes
- managing debts from fuel bills
- repairing or replacing heating
- energy saving tips that save money
- other options for help and support
Our Winter in Oxfordshire campaign asks for you to be the warmth in your community by helping improve the life of a vulnerable person. It doesn’t sound like much, and it doesn’t have to be all at once, but it does make a difference.
What else you can do
- Errands, shopping or collecting prescriptions
- Make sure their home is warm enough
- Household tasks, minor repairs or gardening
- Visiting or befriending
- Letter writing or simple form-filling
- Help getting the grit out of the grit bins
- Deal with doorstep traders
- Good neighbour scheme
These are just a handful of ways you can use a little of your time, to make a big difference to neighbourhood residents.
“Knowing that there is a good neighbour on my street that I can call on gives me real comfort and peace of mind.”
If you're worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 169 2081. Lines are open between 8am and 7pm.
Stay up to date your way
For regular live updates on winter in Oxfordshire:
- Follow us on Twitter or Instagram
- Like the council Facebook page