Cold weather can affect your health; particularly if you are aged 65 or over, have a long term condition such as heart or lung disease, or have reduced mobility.

In addition to the tips above, here are some additional things that could be done to keep you or your loved one safe during cold weather.

• Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register, a service for older and disabled people.
• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they are operating safely.
• A Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 tax-free is available to help you pay your heating bills if you were born on or before January 5 1953. Click here for more information.
• Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) the largest domestic energy suppliers are obligated to fund energy efficiency improvements in the homes of certain consumers. To meet their obligation, participating energy companies promote and subsidise the cost of installing improvements. The Energy Saving Advice Service (ESAS, Govt funded service) can be contacted on 0300 123 1234 (9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday) for advice.
• Contact your GP or pharmacist if you think you, or someone you care for, might qualify for a free flu jab: free vaccinations are available for those who are aged 65 or older.
• The Met Office advises putting grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping.

Download these tips as a printable document here