Here for Plymouth this winter
Published on 02 November 2022 11:43 AM
Ways to Keep Well This Winter
Winter can bring extra challenges to keeping well. It may be tough, but there are things we can do to help to keep us well and Age UK Plymouth are here for you this winter.
1. Get your flu jab and Covid-19 autumn booster
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Flu Prevention
The flu vaccine will be given free on the NHS to people who are:
• Aged 50 years and over
• Those in clinical risk groups
You may be contacted by your surgery or you can book to have your free flu jab at a pharmacy -
Coronavirus Vaccines Explained
The following groups will be eligible for a coronavirus booster:
- people aged 50 or over or who live in an adult care home
- health and social care staff and carers
- people with certain health conditions
- people who live with someone with a weakened immune system.
2. If you’re worried about your health – get it checked out.
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Speak to your GP or call 111
If you have a health concern speak to your GP. Putting things off can make things worse so if you have concerns, get it sorted.
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Not registered with a GP?
If you are not registered with a GP but need treatment at a GP surgery you will need to complete a temporary registration form.
Pharmacies can also give treatment advice about a range of common conditions and minor injuries.
3. Ask for help
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Information and Advice
Age UK Plymouth can provide you with free, independent and confidential information and advice on a range of issues relating to those age 50+. This includes information on rights and entitlements, local services and support available, information on staying safe and warm at home and housing options.
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Help at Home Community Support
Help at Home Community Support Service offers a high-quality, flexible service to people aged 50+ living in and around the City of Plymouth. This service can help to enhance and enrich lives by offering a high-quality and flexible provision, tailored to suit individual needs and aspirations and often alleviating stress, anxiety and loneliness.
4. Keep your spirits up
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Jolly Elders
A group for those aged over 50 who want to get together and meet new people, with different themes and activities each week.
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Befriending
Our Phone Friends reach out to those most vulnerable across the city experiencing loneliness and/or isolation, our Phone Friend Service can match an individual with one of our friendly volunteers. Calls enable our clients the comfort of a regular check in, companionship and the opportunity to access additional services as and when required.
5. Keep moving and eat well
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Walking Football
Walking Football is a great way to meet new people and keep fit!
Grab your trainers, join us for a free first session and keep your mind and body fit. Refreshments will be available after the session.
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Wellbeing Hub
Our Mount Gould Wellbeing Hub is the base for locally based activities across the community and hosts activities with partner organisations and charities including:
- Gentle Walking groups
- Gentle Mobility Excercise classes
- Age Positity activities
6. Make sure your home is warm enough
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Home Energy Checks
Age UK Plymouth can offer free Home Energy Checks to people over the age of 65 who are finding it difficult to keep their homes warm or are suffering from cold-related ill health. During this visit you will be given simple tips on how to save energy and retain heat, as well as free energy-saving equipment such as draft excluders and reflective radiator panels. Our handyperson will also provide you with information on how to stay warm and well during winter and, if needed, refer you to the Warm Homes Discount scheme.
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Warm Space - Mount Gould
If you're struggling to keep your home warm, consider visiting one of the city's welcoming community Warm Spaces.
This winter, over 50s are invited to join us every Friday from 10:00 - 12:00 at our Warm Space.
Help is out there. Please see below a list of other organisations and charities supporting people this winter
Befriending
Energy
Housing
Food
Finance
Wellbeing Hubs
Cumberland Centre Specialist Wellbeing Hub
Four Greens Wellbeing Hub
Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre
Mannamead Wellbeing Hub
Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub
St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing Hub
West End Health and Wellbeing Centre