Staying healthy and well this Winter

News – 9 December 2020

The winter months bring many health and care challenges from Covid-19 to the flu, from loneliness to family stresses and strains.

This time of year can take an increasing toll on people’s health, with Covid-19 still very much in the news, winter illnesses such as the flu, financial pressures, isolation and other issues all putting pressure onto our mental health.

We have compiled support and information resources to help everyone in Hampshire stay safe and well this winter.

Dealing with Covid-19

This winter will be particularly challenging for the health services with the ongoing issue of Covid-19 putting pressure on services, alongside all the usual winter pressures that come every year.

It is up to all of us to play our part in preventing the spread of Covid-19. For the latest national information and guidance check out the NHS and Government websites:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you or someone you know has caught Covid-19, there is a new NHS health website to support through the recovery time, offering advice and information: www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

Advice for the clinically vulnerable

Advice on visiting care homes

There is also a lot of support, advice and information available locally on Covid-19 including symptoms, what you can and can’t do, and where to go for help:

Hampshire County Council website

Connect to Support Hampshire website

We have also developed a web page with the latest information on the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine across Hampshire, which we will be keeping updated regularly.

It is a difficult time for everyone and for many people the pandemic and its consequences have had an impact on their mental health, due to the isolation and perhaps financial pressures and job fears. Hampshire County Council have set up a telephone helpline:

The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline can be contacted on:

0333 370 4000. (Calls charged at local rate.)

Or you can request a call-back from the helpline by completing the call-back request form.

The helpline is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and, to support the national restrictions, will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout November, 9am to 5pm.

We have also developed a Mental Health Support Advice and Information page linking to help and support resources.

Looking after your physical health this Winter

The cold weather, being stuck at home and all the tempting food around the festive season can play havoc with our physical health so it’s important to take steps to stay active and healthy this winter.

Here are some national resources to help you stay physically healthy this winter:

The One You website has a lot of advice and ideas for healthy meals you can cook at home.
Public Health England has provided some free, easy 10-minute workouts for exercises you can do in your own home.
You can also try the exercise suggestions on the NHS Fitness Studio, and have a look at Sport England for some ideas for keeping active at home.

It’s also more important than ever to get your flu vaccine this year – see our guide on flu vaccinations to check your entitlement.

There has been much in the news about potential coronavirus vaccines – for the latest information visit this site and go to the announcements section: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus and check out our web page as well.

As well as exercise, it’s important to be aware of any health issues that you might have. While there is much in the news about the pressures on the health service it is very important that you continue to get advice and help if you do have any health concerns.

We have developed advice and resources about continuing to access the NHS during the pandemic.

Looking after your mental health this Winter

The pandemic has increased the mental health pressures on many people this year but there are many places to seek support and advice if you are worried about your own, or someone else’s mental health this winter.

Coping with loneliness and isolation

The winter and festive season can be particularly challenging for those living alone, but this year that is compounded by the pandemic, with many more people shielding due to being clinically vulnerable or simply too fearful to be with other people.

Isolation and loneliness can have a real impact on mental health, as well as physical health, for those who are unable to leave home.

During the pandemic it is possible to set up a support bubble to help with the problems which isolation can bring: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household

There are also many resources, help and support available here.

Staying safe and well over the Winter months

For many people, simply having enough food to eat, and staying warm due to the heating costs, pose big challenges at this time of year. If you or anyone you know is having issues around staying safe and well this Winter, then please do seek help.

You can find links to helpful resources on our keeping safe and well page here.

Coping with family pressures

With families under increasing pressure this year with job losses, money stresses over the festive season and not being able to spend time with one another or being stuck at home together 24 hours a day, it can be a very stressful time of year.

If pressures become too much and you or anyone you know are struggling with family problems, there is advice and guidance on our coping with family pressure page.