Staying Healthy And Well This Winter

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 Wokingham 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 information and guidance check out the local Public Health, NHS and Government websites:
Local case number and Covid information Berkshire Public Health
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 offering advice and information to help support your recovery after Covid: 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:
Wokingham Borough Council website
If you need help with prescription or food delivery or feel isolated and need someone to talk to Wokingham Citizens Advice are co-ordinating the local volunteer response, call them on 0300 330 1189 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm or visit their dedicated website
Staying safe and well over the Winter months
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on our everyday lives and many of us are struggling more than usual so it's important that we keep ourselves physically well. Stay as active as you can, any exercise can bring health benefits. Links to advice on how to stay well:
NHS - How to stay well in winter
Public Health England - Keep warm keep well
Age UK - Keep well this winter
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 help available:
Carers
We have a page about vital sources of support and information for carers
NSPCC Support for Parents
NSPCC provides parenting tips for all stages of your child’s life, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse services are available both locally and nationally:
Wokingham Borough Council - Domestic Abuse
Refuge - National domestic abuse help line
Early help
Wokingham Integrated Early Help service provide whole family and group based support to children, young people and their parents/carers who have been assessed as being in need of more support
Family Support Service
If your family are experiencing difficulties, or feel you might need some extra support Wokingham council may be able to help you.
Looking after your mental health this Winter
It is a difficult time for many people and the pandemic and its consequences have had an impact on their mental health, due to the isolation and perhaps financial pressures and job fears. 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. We published an article with advice, information and details of local and national organisations that can help Here
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. Details of help and support available:
Wokingham Borough Council - links
LINK - Visiting and befriending
Citizens Advice Bureau - One front door service or call them on 0300 330 1189 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm
Important Contact Details
In an emergency, or if you suspect you or someone else is in immediate danger, phone 999.
For Deaf Access Text 999 or Emergency Minicom TextRelay on 18000 (You must be registered to use this service).
Wokingham Children’s Services
Public phone number: 0118 908 8002 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Out of Hours Service: 01344 786 543
Wokingham Adult Services
Wokingham Adult’s Health and Care:
0300 365 1234