Tuesday 06 December 2022
As the weather becomes colder and we head into the winter months, Public Health is providing islanders with information to help them stay well this winter.
The winter months generally see more people become unwell through a variety of factors. These include the cold weather affecting people already vulnerable and islanders spending more time indoors with germs spreading more easily as a result. Public Health has put together a variety of advice, which is available at www.gov/winterwellbeing and includes links to other useful resources.
Information includes but is not limited to:
- How to stay healthy this winter
- How to stay warm
- Stay at home if you are unwell
- Look out for each other
- Look after your mental wellbeing
As the seasons change and winter sets in many of us are looking forward to Christmas and the New Year. However, some people can often feel worried, restless, lonely, or frustrated. Some of us might feel totally overwhelmed. Part of this wellness campaign is to highlight how important it is that we are aware of how we are feeling and look out for each other. With all the added stresses that come with the festive season it's very important to care for our mental wellbeing and not be afraid to ask for help.
Yvonne Le Page, Public Health Business Manager said:
'We have run wellness and wellbeing campaigns over the past couple of years. Whilst many in our community are able to stay healthy over the winter period, others find this more difficult and often don't know where to go for help and support.
This year in particular we know people in our community may be struggling due to issues such as the lasting impact of COVID-19 and the increase in the cost of living.
One area of the campaign will focus on keeping warm. If you're a low-income household but don't qualify for income support, it is possible in some cases to still get help with medical costs or help with fuel costs over winter (or in some cases both). To find out if you can get this help, please call 01481 221000 or email: incomesupport@gov.gg
As the campaign progresses, we will be working with our charitable and other partners to provide information to support the community this winter.'
The campaign this year will run on social media, online at www.gov.gg/winterwellbeing and will include a double page spread in the Guernsey Press in December.
