Supported by local health and care organisations in Norfolk and Waveney the latest Warm and Well Campaign is being launched to help us all stay as well as possible during the cold months ahead.

The campaign encourages Norfolk and Waveney residents to “winter proof” their health and wellbeing by preparing for winter illnesses and reminding people what to do if they do fall ill.

Additionally, the campaign aims to support people to who may be struggling to pay bills or heat their home this winter by raising awareness of the wide range of winter hardship support that is available locally.

The Warm and Well campaign promotes some of the essential ways that residents can stay healthy, warm, and well this winter, including:

• Getting their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they’re offered them
• Keeping themselves well this winter by staying warm, keeping active, and keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet so they are prepared for common winter illnesses
• Advice for people who look after someone at home and how to set up an emergency carer plan

• Signposting people to the hardship support that is available and providing tips on how to make homes more energy efficient.
• Encouraging use of the NHS 111 service, community pharmacies, Minor Injuries Units, and GP practice services instead of going to A&E
• Supporting people to look after their mental health

People can find all the information they need by visiting the online portal here www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk.

Health and care leaders are encouraging all residents to make use of these resources to support their health during the coming months and help reduce pressure on local health services.

Tricia D’Orsi, Executive Director of Nursing at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, is urging people who are eligible for free flu and Covid-19 vaccines to take up the offer. She said: “Vaccination against seasonal illness is a really important way to help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy this winter. Last year, we saw some people becoming very unwell with flu and Covid-19. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to help protect people who are at risk of getting seriously ill from flu and Covid-19 and to help keep people out of hospital over winter.”

Diane Steiner Deputy Director of Public Health at Norfolk County Council, said “Our winter wellness health portal has lots of useful health information to help you prepare for the onset of Winter. You can help reduce your risk of catching and spreading winter bugs such as the common cold or tummy bugs as well as serious illnesses like flu and COVID-19 by adopting simple measures such as washing hands regularly in soapy water for at least 20 seconds, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and putting the tissues straight in the bin. If you do fall ill and don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities staying at home and avoiding contact with other people until you feel better is also a sensible precaution to take.”

Bill Borrett, Chair of Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Partnership, said “People can feel more isolated during Winter months as they stay indoors and this can impact their mental health. We can all help by checking in regularly on friends, family and neighbours particularly during cold snaps. Connecting with your local community can make a difference for those living by themselves plus it can help lift your own mood as well”.

“Last year our winter wellness portal received thousands of visitors seeking information like how their local pharmacist can support their health. This year the portal includes even more information to help people get the support they need over the cold Winter months. Visit www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk“.