Winter Health
Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire have launched their Winter Health Campaign to support older people across the region as they face the challenges of the colder months.
With cold weather, rising living costs and loneliness creating what many describe as a “crisis hiding in plain sight,” many older residents are worried about staying warm, managing bills and coping alone this winter.
National Age UK research shows that 3.5 million older people are concerned about the coming winter, with almost one in ten having no one to turn to for help. There are the same concerns locally, with older people in Coventry and Warwickshire anxious about staying warm, managing their heating costs and maintaining their wellbeing.
Winter can be particularly tough for older people. As temperatures drop, it becomes harder for the body to stay warm, especially for those living with health conditions or in poorly heated homes. Some worry about turning on the heating, while others face long days without company or support.
The campaign aims to provide practical help, advice and companionship to ensure older people stay safe, warm and well throughout the colder months. Through services such as Information and Advice, Befriending, Home Support and local activities, Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire helps older people access financial support, stay connected, and maintain comfort and confidence during winter.
Together, we can make sure no one has to face the cold alone.
Retail 🏬
As part of the Winter Health Campaign, Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire retail shops are also being used as community information hubs.
Each shop will display posters with useful winter health tips and have a range of leaflets available to help older people stay informed, safe and well during the colder months. Visitors can drop in to find advice on staying warm, managing costs and accessing local support.
Winter Wrapped Up 🧢 🧤
Stay warm this winter by following the Winter Wrapped Up guide for advice on keeping yourself and your home cosy and safe.
Donate a Coat: Supporting Older People This Winter
As part of its Winter Health campaign, Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire has launched the Donate a Coat appeal, calling on the local community to help older people stay warm during the colder months.
Winter can be an especially difficult time for older people. Colder weather often makes it harder to get out and about, increasing feelings of loneliness and negatively affecting health and wellbeing. At the same time, spending more time at home can lead to higher energy bills. Combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this places significant pressure on many older people who are already struggling.
Across the UK, an estimated 1.9 million older people are expected to face poverty this winter, highlighting the urgent need for community support.
Kaljit Madahar, Central Operations Manager at Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire, said:
“It’s a crisis hiding in plain sight. As costs rise and temperatures fall, many older people are facing winter in the cold. Your donation of a winter warmer item can make an immediate difference to someone in need.”
Through the Donate a Coat appeal, Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire is asking for donations of winter warmer items to help older people stay safe, warm, and well throughout the season.
Alongside the appeal, the charity is also encouraging older people on a low income to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which can provide access to additional support such as the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments.