Keeping warm and well this winter

Keeping warm and well this winter - tile

Keeping warm both indoors and out is essential for our wellbeing as the weather gets colder. Being energy efficient at home can help you and your home stay warmer for longer and help keep your energy bills down.

On this page we have put together some top tips to help everyone keep warm and well in Adur and Worthing this winter.

1. Get your free flu jab

You will qualify if you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.

You can find:

information about flu on the NHS Choices website

2. Keep your home warm and healthy

By setting your heating to at least 18°C in winter poses minimal risk to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing.

If you use an electric blanket, ensure you use as instructed and get it tested every three years.

For information and advice on housing matters, including damp and condensation in cold properties, please see our housing section or contact:

the Private Sector Housing team
on private.sectorhousing@adur-worthing.gov.uk

3. Look after yourself and check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe, warm and well, especially when its gets cold outside

Layer your clothing and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go out.

4. Eat and stay active

Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm.

Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

For more advice on food, staying active and improving your wellbeing go to the:

Adur & Worthing Wellbeing Hub website

5. Get financial support to improve the efficiency of your home

There are many sources of advice and assistance available to make your home more energy efficient, improve/repair your heating system or install insulation.

For more information please see our home energy efficiency grants and offers page.

6. Get extra help to pay your energy bills

Find out if you qualify for Cold Weather Payments or the Warm Home Discount Scheme on the:

Energy Saving Trust's Advice Service website

With the rising cost of energy, there are a number of government schemes and grants available to help people with their bills that you may qualify for such as:

Some energy suppliers also run their own energy grants and you don’t necessarily need to be their customer to take advantage of them.

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, you might want to contact the CAB or the Money Advice Service, but always contact your energy supplier in the first instance, as they may be able to offer you a special tariff or payment plan.

7. Have your home checked for fire safety

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service can provide free Home Fire Safety Checks for older and vulnerable people.

To enquire about having a free check please see:

Home fire safety checks - on the WSCC website

8. Sign up to the Priority Service Register

Energy suppliers can offer extra services and assistance to customers on a low income, with disabilities or long term health conditions. Services can include:

a free annual gas check
a frequent meter reading service
warnings of supply disruption

To check if you are eligible contact your energy supplier directly.

9. Have your heating and cooking appliances checked and use responsibly

Never use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home - it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

To find out more about carbon monoxide safety, please see the:

Domestic gas health and safety advice - on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website

10. Switch your energy supplier or tariff

You could save money by switching your tariff or energy supplier, or by changing the way you pay for energy. This can be quick and simple, especially if you use a price comparison site or the Councils' Collective Switching Scheme. To find out more about switching see our home energy efficiency grants section.