What is spread the warmth?

Spread the Warmth is an Age UK campaign to prevent thousands of older people suffering needlessly this winter, to reduce the number of preventable winter deaths among people in later life, and to make this time of year better for those who may have otherwise nowhere to turn.

Why are we asking people to 'Spread the Warmth'?

For many people it's a struggle to keep their home warm enough to combat the cold weather and then pay their heating bill.

Each year in England and Wales, even when the weather is not as bad as the last 3 winters, an extra 25,000 older people die during the winter months from preventable causes – and these deaths are down to the adverse effects of cold weather.

At Age UK, we believe that this can change and must be changed. With the right support, many more older people can survive the winter and remain fit and healthy.

We want to tackle health, heating and loneliness issues for older people this winter and Age UK's practical advice and support services will help more than 360,000 older people live safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

How you can get involved in Spread the Warmth

Together, we can help people in later life feel warm, healthy and in touch with others this winter.

Over the coming weeks and months, we'll be asking you to get involved and spread the warmth in a number of different ways.

• Donate a coat or other quality item to your nearest Age UK shop or local Age UK 
• To send an e-card to someone you know
• Use our information guides to help you and people you know stay safe and save money this winter
• To use our guide to help you and people you know get their home ready for winter