Preparing for cold weather

As the weather gets colder it is important to do things that can help you keep warm and well. 

In this article, you can find tips on staying well and where to find support with energy bills and keeping your home warm.

Tips on staying strong, steady and independent.

• Reduce hazards at home by removing or taping down any loose carpets and rugs, keeping leads out of the way and replacing worn-out slippers
• Add handgrips, grab rails and non-slip mats and replace the rubber bit at the end of your walking aid if it is worn down. 
• Keep hydrated with 6-8 cups of water a day and eat nutritious foods
• Keep your pendant alarm or mobile phone near you 
• Use good lighting in your home and go outside for vitamin D on sunny days 
• Get regular check-ups and medication reviews 

It is good to practice strength and mobility exercises and try walking for 20 minutes daily, if possible. For simple exercises you can do at home to improve your strength and mobility, find an informative guide below. 

Help with keeping your home warm.

You can get help with energy bills from Energyworks and the Local Energy Advice Partnership. 

Energyworks is a partnership project between Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove and Brighton & Hove Energy Services Coop. If you live in BN1, BN2, BN3, or BN41, they can provide energy advice and grants to residents experiencing fuel poverty. 

They can help:

• With understanding energy bills and making sure you’re not paying more than you should

• Reduce energy use and costs so that homes are warmer and more energy-efficient

• Make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you are eligible for and provide advice on other energy-related issues.

How to contact Energyworks

Call the voicemail service on 0333 090 9150. Leave a message and they will aim to call you back the same day

Or visit the energy drop-in advice service: Thursdays, 1:15pm at Tisbury Road Offices, Hove Town Hall, Tisbury Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ

Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) (partnered with Brighton and Hove City Council) is a free, national service available for eligible residents that helps people keep warm and reduce energy bills.

Their service includes:

• Practical Energy Advice including tariff & Smart meter advice

• Installation of free small energy efficiency measures – LED lightbulbs, radiator reflector panels, draught proofing etc

• Income Maximisation & Fuel debt advice

• Onward referrals to other organisations where appropriate

• Boiler repair/replacement – (Owner occupiers only) and white goods (where/when available)

To refer yourself or someone else to LEAP, or check your eligibility, please use the following webpage: · LEAP - The Energy Advice & Money Saving Service or · Phone free on 0800 060 7567 or email support@applyforleap.org.uk if you have any problems using the online form.