It’s that time of year again where the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. This time of year can be really challenging for the National Health Service, with people relying on urgent care services for issues that could be preventable.
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) has put together a list of tips to stay well this winter.
The flu season is nearly upon us. If you’re pregnant, aged 65+, have a long term condition, are a carer or are a child aged 2-3, you’re entitled to a free flu jab! Please speak to your GP or pharmacist.
If you start feeling unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, go and get advice from your pharmacist before it gets worse. Pharmacists are fully equipped to advise you on the best course of action to help you recover sooner.
Utilise NHS 111. If you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, you can speak to a fully trained adviser by dialling 111. They can give you self-care advice, connect you to a nurse, dentist or GP, book a face-to-face appointment, send an ambulance or direct you to the local service that can help best with your concern.
CACT is commissioned by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to provide extra services and support residents who may be at risk during the cold weather. This service is called Stay Warm Stay Safe and offers:
A free room thermometer
Advice on keeping fuel bills down
Benefit checks by the Welfare Rights Service
Home fire safety visits by the London Fire Brigade
An energy efficiency assessment
Advice on keeping active and healthy in the winter months
A free in-home energy and wellbeing visit by Groundwork Green Doctors giving financial and health advice.
For more information, please contact the Stay Warm Stay Safe line on 0800 470 4831.