Winter wellbeing checklists

These winter wellbeing checklists are a useful tool to help those 'at risk' of illness due to cold weather access key support and services.

Many people in our communities are ‘at increased risk’ due to cold weather and infections such as flu and other respiratory viruses. Frontline staff can use this checklist to signpost  people to  access key support to help them stay safe and well in the winter months.

Adult's winter wellbeing checklist

  1. Cold snap preparation

    Make sure you follow the recommendations in the ‘Top tips for keeping warm and well’ leaflet and in the ‘Keep warm keep well’ poster.

    Recommendations include:

    • try to heat the home to at least 18⁰C (65⁰F)
    • wear warm clothing – several layers are better than one thick jumper
    • move around indoors and try to move about every hour to keep warm if you are able

    Watch and listen for the Met Office cold weather alerts on TV / radio / internet. 

    Subscribe to Met Office email alerts

  2. Stay Winter Strong: Get Your Vaccines

    Vaccines are the best protection against flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). They reduce the risk of serious illness, help you recover faster, and protect those around you.

    Why vaccinate now?

    Viruses spread more easily in winter as we spend more time indoors. Getting vaccinated before winter gives you the strongest protection. Check the NHS website for eligibility and book as soon as possible to ensure you're protected before winter viruses begin circulating widely.

    Flu Vaccine Eligibility:

    • aged 65 or over
    • have certain long-term health conditions
    • are pregnant
    • live in a care home
    • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
    • live with someone who has a weakened immune system
    • rough sleepers and those using homeless hostels or night shelters aged 16 years and over  
    • frontline social care workers without access to an employer-led occupational health scheme 

    COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility:

    • 75 or over
    • aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
    • live in a care home for older adults

    RSV Vaccine Eligibility:

    • pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy 
    • aged 75 and over  
    • all residents in care homes for older adults 
    • adults aged 65 to 74 with specific clinical risk groups 

    Pneumococcal Vaccine Eligibility:

    • people aged 65 and over 
    • adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill 
    • people experiencing homelessness (rough sleepers or those in hostels/night shelters aged 16 and over) 

    Where to get vaccinated:

    Flu:

    COVID-19:

    RSV & Pneumococcal:

    • speak to your GP surgery if eligible for RSV or pneumococcal vaccines
    • for RSV during pregnancy speak to maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine

    Book or check your eligibility

    Protect yourself and those around you this winter. Check your eligibility, book your vaccination if you are eligible and stay winter strong. 

  3. Medication review

    If you are taking regular medication, you may need a structured medical review with a pharmacist. Contact your local pharmacist to discuss this.

    If you need more than one prescribed medication per month, you could save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).

    There is also the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) where you may be able to get help with NHS costs.

  4. Cold or damp home

    If you need help with your cold or damp home, contact Home Plus (Leeds) for a free home assessment (subject to eligibility).

    Home Plus (Leeds) is for those at serious risk of falling, are struggling to heat their home or pay heating bills, who need help with repairs that may cause hazards in their home or who need information and advice to maintain their independence. For further information please visit the Care Repair Leeds webpage.

    If you live in a council property and are affected by damp and mould, you can contact the damp and mould team for advice and guidance call 0800 188 4000 or email d&mteam@leeds.gov.uk.

    This video from Leeds City Council provides helpful tips to prevent mould in your home: Help to prevent mould in your home (YouTube).

  5. Help with money

    In Leeds, you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice on a range of money related matters such as debt, money, energy and utilities. One-to-one tailored support is available via digital, telephone, and face-to-face appointments.  

    On the Leeds Money Information Centre website you can find details on where to access free, independent and confidential advice and support for a range of money related issues including:

    • debt and money advice
    • benefits advice and Universal Credit
    • emergency food
    • low cost loans
    • energy, utility and household bills
    • employment support
    • gambling harms

    For information and support, visit Leeds Money Information Centre.

    Pension credit

    Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. 

    You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. 

    Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. 

    If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: 

    You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by 3 months. 

    Before you apply for Pension Credit, check if you’re eligible.

    Apply by phone 

    A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone. 

    Pension Credit claim line phone: 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)

    Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234 

    British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet.

    Apply by post 

    To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form. 

    Send the claim form to the Pension Service or ask someone to do it for you. 

    The agencies listed in the ‘Benefits and Universal Credit’ section of Leeds Money Information Centre can also help you to check if you are eligible for Pension Credit, to make a claim and find out about other support you may be eligible for.

    You can also find help and support at Together Leeds. 

  6. Falls

    We all want to stay healthy and independent as we get older. One of the best ways to do that is to understand our risk for a fall. There are lots of things you can do to stay steady on your feet:

    • keep moving a little every day - if you're physically active, you're less likely to fall
    • eat a well-balanced diet to keep up your strength
    • keep hydrated and consider switching to decaf drinks
    • tell your GP if any of your medications are making you feel dizzy or unwell
    • make sure you have regular hearing and sight tests - you get these free on the NHS if you're over 60
    • wear well-fitting shoes and look after your feet

    Active Leeds Health Programmes team deliver a range of activities to support people to manage their health, build fitness, and develop strength and balance. Contact them by calling 0113 378 3680 or visiting the Active Leeds Health webpage.
     

    Home Plus (Leeds) offers support for people at serious risk of falling, are struggling to heat their home or pay heating bills, who need help with repairs that may cause hazards in their home or who need information and advice to maintain their independence. For more information, call 0113 240 6009 or visit the Home Plus (Leeds) webpage.

  7. Additional help at home

    Would any of the following be helpful to you? 

    • support with daily tasks in your home
    • personal alarms and safety alarms
    • handrails, adapted furniture and gadgets to help with mobility and daily tasks
    • ramps, stair lifts and other adaptations to help you move around safely
    • help with cleaning, gardening and delivering meals

    For more information visit Help at Home or call 0113 222 4401.

  8. Vitamin D

    Vitamin D is essential for good health and it affects people’s bones, teeth, and muscles as well as mental health and immune systems. Sunlight doesn’t contain enough UBV radiation in autumn and winter months for our skin to make vitamin D, so we rely on getting it from our food and supplements. Taking a supplement helps to keep levels of the vitamin topped up during the colder months. 

    Vitamin D supplements can be purchased over the counter from supermarkets and pharmacists but you should speak to your GP, local pharmacist, health visitor, or midwife if you have any concerns. 

    Read more on Vitamin D (NHS). 

  9. Healthy living

    If you need information on the location of food providers across Leeds (for example foodbanks, community kitchens), visit the Leeds Food Aid Network map.

    Lunch Clubs will support older people in their communities, providing hot midday meals and, in some cases, additional wellbeing and social activities, for their members. These activities will help to improve nutrition and reduce loneliness. 

    If you need support with stopping smoking contact Leeds Stopping Smoking Service on 0800 169 4219 or visit Leeds Stop Smoking Services.

    If you need support with losing weight, drinking less and getting active, visit Better Health for tools and support.

    Information and guidance about eating a healthy and balanced diet visit the NHS Eatwell website.

    If you have concerns about alcohol dependency, contact Forward Leeds on 0113 887 2477 or visit Forward Leeds.

    If you want to connect with local services to keep active and well, visit Leeds Directory, call 0113 378 4610, or email leedsdirectory@leeds.gov.uk.

    Visit the Care View website for support to tackle social isolation.

    There is lots you can do to protect yourself and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours this season. Visit Together We Can (NHS) for suggestions.

  10. Help for carers

    Carers Leeds provides information, advice, and support to unpaid family carers in Leeds and also to professionals working with carers.
     

    Carers Leeds can also provide information and advice about: 

    • writing a contingency plan that says who to contact in an emergency
    • keeping in touch with family, friends and neighbours
    • looking after your own health and wellbeing
    • what to do if you feel you cannot carry on caring

    If you want to find out more, call the service on 0113 380 4300 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email advice@carersleeds.org.uk or visit Carers Leeds.

  11. Feeling connected

    If you want to connect with local services, activities and support groups, visit Leeds Directory, call 0113 378 4610, or email leedsdirectory@leeds.gov.uk. 

    For information and resources on mental health, visit MindWell.

    For support with your mental health and wellbeing, contact the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service by calling 0113 843 4388, emailing leeds.mws@nhs.net or visiting the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service webpage.

    You can also access support to Linking Leeds, which is the free city-wide service that links individuals with a range of local community services to improve social, emotional and mental wellbeing. You can contact the service by calling 0113 336 7612 or emailing linking.leeds@nhs.net.

    Being You Leeds run a range of groups within communities for opportunities to build connections with peers in your local area. Email info@beingyouleeds.org.uk or call 0113 248 4880 to find out what groups you can attend for free in your local area.

    Feeling down and not sure where to turn? Here for you Leeds offer face-to-face support everyday from 3:30 to 9:30pm for anyone who is struggling, or may be having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Call 07760 173 476 to speak to the team.

    Find activities, services and support for older people across Leeds at Neighbourhood Network - Leeds Older People’s Forum or Groups and activities on the Mindwell website.

    For activities and support contact the Better Together providers: 

    Display the ‘Get help in Leeds’ poster which you can order for free via the Public Health Resource Centre to help raise awareness of the services available.

    Get Help in Leeds – Order ID L155 (leaflet), P655 (poster) 

Children's winter wellbeing checklist

Many people in our communities are 'at increased risk' due to cold weather and infections such as flu and other respiratory viruses circulating.

If you feel unwell with cold/flu symptoms, please avoid mixing with other people and stay at home if you can. Frontline staff can use  this checklist to ensure that people ‘at risk’ of illness due to cold weather can access key support.
 

  1. Winter vaccinations

    Winter brings an increase in respiratory infections, including flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect children, young people and families from serious illness and reduce pressure on health services during winter.

    In winter, viruses spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is one of the most important things you can do to get protected and ‘winter strong’. 

    Flu vaccine

    • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026
    • school aged children (reception to Year 11)
    • children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
    • pregnant women

    Eligible people can get their NHS flu vaccine at: 

    • GP practice
    • a participating pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (this year 2 – 3 year olds can also be vaccinated at some local pharmacies). Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination - NHS
    • maternity services
    • from 1 Dec some pharmacies will offer vaccination to school-aged children who missed their vaccination at school

    Under-5s need to be booked in through their GP practice. School-aged children will usually be vaccinated through school, so parents should return any consent forms as soon as possible.

    Here are 5 reasons your under 5 should have the flu vaccine: 

    • protect your child: Children under 5 have the highest hospitalisation rate due to flu - 6,000 in England last winter. Vaccination cuts the hospitalisation risk by around two-thirds. It helps protect against complications like pneumonia and painful ear infections
    • protect family and friends: Pre-schoolers are excellent at spreading germs! Vaccinating your child helps reduce the chance of others in your family who are higher risk, like grandparents or those with long-term conditions, getting flu
    • no needles: The nasal spray is painless and easy to have. It contains weakened flu viruses to help your child build immunity and fight off flu. The vaccine is absorbed into the nose really quickly, so even if your child sneezes right after, it still works. For children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injection is available
    • it is better than having flu: The nasal spray helps protect against flu, has been given to millions of children in the UK and worldwide, and has an excellent safety record. In the last few years, the protection that children get from vaccination has been consistently higher than for adults. The vaccine is updated yearly to match flu strains, so we recommend vaccinating yearly, even if vaccinated last year
    • avoid costs and time off work: Juggling a sick child and work is tough. Vaccinating isn't just about your child's health, it's smart for parents. If your child gets flu, you may have to take time off or find childcare. The nasal spray vaccine means fewer missed workdays and is free on the NHS

    COVID-19 vaccine

    You should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you: 

    • are pregnant
    • are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment

    If you are eligible, you can get a COVID-19 vaccination by: 

    RSV vaccine

    • the vaccine is recommended from 28 weeks of every pregnancy to help protect your baby from RSV during their first months of life
    • you should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment
    • getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks provides the best protection for your baby, although the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour
    • speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine

    Additional resources

    General information on flu, and information specific to children. 

    Additional information on the RSV vaccine.
     

    Support children, young people and families to stay winter strong by promoting vaccination, signposting to eligibility information and encouraging timely uptake of all recommended vaccines.

  2. Medication review

    If you take regular medication, it is important to have an annual review of your medicines to check they are right for you and you are taking them properly.

    Contact your local pharmacy or GP practice to check when your next medication review is due or at any time if you have any questions.

    You may find it helpful to have prescriptions delivered, a number of pharmacies provide this service free of charge.
     

  3. Cold or damp home

    Babies and children lose heat from their bodies faster than adults. Cold homes are linked to health problems in children including an increased risk of asthma and respiratory infections. They also may have poor sleep and reduced appetite.

    Remember not to put a hat on your baby when they are indoors, as babies maintain their body temperature by releasing heat through their head. Wearing a hat indoors can mean they get too hot, even when it is cold outside. For more information see Room temperature | The Lullaby Trust and Cold weather | The Lullaby Trust.

    If you are living in a cold or damp home, contact Home Plus (Leeds) for a Free home visit (subject to eligibility) on 0113 240 6009 – they will provide help and guidance around heating/hot water repairs and servicing, energy efficiency measures or replacement heating systems.

    The Breathe Easy Homes service addresses issues with indoor air quality in the home, which can trigger attacks for children who have a diagnosis of asthma or other respiratory conditions e.g. viral wheeze. 

    Support available to households that own their own property is available on the Home Plus (Leeds) webpage.

  4. Help with money

    In Leeds, you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice on a range of money related matters such as debt, money, energy and utilities.

    The website is available at Leeds Money Information Centre website you can find details on where to access free, independent and confidential advice and support for a range of money related issues including:

    1. Debt and money advice
    2. Benefits advice and Universal Credit
    3. Emergency food
    4. Low cost loans
    5. Energy, utility and household bills
    6. Employment support
    7. Gambling harms

    For information and support, visit the Leeds Money information Centre webpage.

    Find out more about the support and advice available to help property owners and landlords install energy-saving measures, including some home improvement and energy related grants: Make your home more energy efficient.

    You can also find help and support at Together Leeds.

  5. Vitamin D

    Taking a supplement helps to keep levels of the vitamin topped up during the colder/darker months. 

    Vitamin D supplements can be purchased over the counter from supermarkets and pharmacists but you should speak to your GP, local pharmacist, health visitor, or midwife if you have any concerns.

    More information is available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

    Vitamin D is also included in the Healthy Start Vitamins for pregnant women, new mums, babies and children under 4 – see the Healthy Start Scheme section for eligibility.

  6. Healthy living

    If you find it difficult to have regular meals, or you feel your lifestyle is affecting your health, the following services may be able to help:

    Local food banks.

    Healthy Start Scheme

    Healthy Start is a scheme that provides money to pregnant people or families with children under 4 to spend on healthy foods. If eligible you get: 

    • £4.65 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
    • £9.30 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
    • £4.65 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old

    To apply

    Visit Healthy Start for more information and to apply. 

    HENRY

    HENRY programmes are a universal year-round offer to parents with children up to the age of 12 enabling a healthy, happy childhood.  For information on both Henry Right from the Start (for families with children up to the age of 5) and Henry Growing Up (5-12) visit the HENRY in Leeds webpage.

    Visit Better Health for tools and support with losing weight, drinking less, and getting active.

    For support from the Leeds Stop Smoking Service, call 0800 169 4219.

    If you have concerns around drugs or alcohol, contact Forward Leeds on 0113 887 2477 or visit Forward Leeds.

  7. Feeling connected

    It is important that you feel connected to your local community. 

    Find your local support by contacting the Leeds Directory helpline on 0113 378 4610 or email on leedsdirectory@leeds.gov.uk, weekdays 9am to 5pm.

    Leeds children’s centres provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for families with children aged 0 to 5 years. Find your local centre.

    Mindmate is a local website offering support and advice around mental wellbeing for children and young people, as well as ideas and activities to help them deal with stress.

    Contact Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service for support with mental health and wellbeing. Phone 0113 843 4388 or email leeds.mws@nhs.net. 

    More information is available from Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service.
     

  8. Help for carers

    If you are helping to look after a friend or family member who otherwise couldn’t manage without your help due to illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem, help is available to you. 

    Carers Leeds provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers and professionals in Leeds and are using telephone, email, and digital platforms such as Zoom to keep in touch with carers and to provide information, advice and support for new carers. Their online support groups are providing social engagement, a range of health and wellbeing activities and facilitating peer support.

    Carers Leeds are also working with 100% Digital Leeds and Voluntary Action Leeds to provide carers with access to technology and support to use it. 

    Phone Carers Leeds on 0113 380 4300 or email advice@carersleeds.org.uk. 

    Carers Leeds can also provide information and advice about: 

    • writing a contingency plan that says who to contact in an emergency
    • keeping in touch with family, friends, and neighbours
    • looking after your own health and wellbeing
    • what to do if you feel you cannot carry on caring

    Forward Leeds provide free confidential alcohol and drug support for people in Leeds. Helping adults, young people and their families.

  9. Cold snap preparation

    Watch or listen for the Met office cold weather alerts on the TV, radio and internet. 

    Subscribe to Met Office email alerts

    Heat the home to at least 18⁰C (65⁰F) and wear suitable clothing. 

    Dress your child in layers: It will help keep them warm. The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. 

    Visit the Lullaby Trust for information on how to keep your baby safe and warm when the weather gets cold in winter, while avoiding over heating.

    Car Seat Safety: Remove bulky coats before placing your baby in the car seat. Bulky clothing can compress in an accident, compromising the harness fit.

  10. Home safety

    Being at home in winter can involve dangers for small children. The Child Accident Prevention Trust: Ages and stages has information on helping children to stay safe and avoid everyday hazards, such as burns, suffocation, and choking.