Cold weather advice
Stay safe in severe cold weather with advice on keeping your home warm, protecting your health, and finding local support to manage heating costs and winter illnesses.
Winter health hub
Discover practical, community-focused health advice to help you and your family stay well throughout winter. From flu prevention and norovirus guidance to support for long-term conditions and mental well-being, find essential tips and information tailored for those in mid and south Essex.
Choose the right service for you, when you are feeling unwell
Find the right care at the right time for your mental or physical health, with details of local NHS, community, hospital, and online services.
Winter vaccinations
Learn who is eligible for winter vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19, and how they help protect you and those around you from serious illness during the colder months.
Advice for parents on common childhood winter illness
Practical tips for parents on spotting and managing common winter illnesses in children, and how to boost their ‘super body’ to stay healthy, happy, and active through the colder months.
Keeping a well stocked medicine cupboard for winter
Advice on keeping a well-stocked medicine cupboard with everyday remedies, so you can treat minor winter illnesses at home and avoid unnecessary trips to the GP or pharmacy.
Keeping well in winter if you have a long-term respiratory condition
Tips for managing COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions in winter, including how to stay ‘weather-wise’ and reduce the risk of symptoms getting worse.
Norovirus advice
Advice on preventing and managing norovirus this winter, including hygiene tips, recognising symptoms, and keeping yourself and others safe from this highly contagious virus.
Managing your mental health during the colder months
Winter can bring mixed emotions—from joyful anticipation to seasonal lows. Learn how to manage winter-time mental health, including spotting SAD (seasonal affective disorder), using light therapy, adapting your environment, and nurturing your well-being with exercise and a balanced diet.
How to help family, neighbours and vulnerable people during the colder months
Simple ways to support family, neighbours, and vulnerable people in winter—helping them stay warm, well, and connected when colder weather brings extra challenges.
Stay active and healthy during the winter months
Feeling tempted to skip exercise in the cold? Staying active can boost your mood, fitness and immunity. Explore simple guidance on warming up, dressing in layers, and access to free home workouts via the ‘Find Your Active’ YouTube channel.
Support for people struggling with the rising cost of living
Find local and national support to help with the rising cost of living, including advice on energy bills, food costs, benefits, and services to keep you and your family well this winter.
Hot water bottle safety advice
Stay safe using hot water bottles this winter with tips on correct filling, avoiding burns, and checking for damage to keep you warm without risk.