The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have announced a yellow cold-health alert for the East of England. This alert is now in effect from 8PM on 28/12/2025 until 12PM on 05/01/2026.

Cold weather can affect anyone, and certain groups are particularly vulnerable. These include older people (aged 65 years and over), pregnant women, young children (particularly those aged 5 and under), and people with long term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition.

For guidance on staying warm and well, visit our cold weather advice page.

Your local health professionals

Hear from some of the people working in local GP teams

Lohit, a Matron in Benfleet

Lohit is a Matron. He builds relationships and oversees the innerworkings and management of a local group of practices in Benfleet. He also supports six different GP surgeries in the area.  

James, a Mental Health Nurse in Rochford

Frontline specialists like James work on the ground across our local communities. James works in up to five GP surgeries who work as part of a Rochford Primary Care Network (PCN).  

Sarang, Physiotherapist in Brentwood

Sarang is a physiotherapist and neuromusculoskeletal specialist. He is part of a GP team that works across two GP practices in Brentwood, as part of a Primary Care Network.