‘Keep Warm’ packs help some of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable

Vulnerable people from across Northern Ireland will receive protective clothing to help them keep warm this winter, through the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Keep Warm’ scheme.

The scheme aims to provide support for those most at risk who are unable to adequately heat their homes this winter, including older people, children, and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities made worse in cold weather.

This regional scheme has been funded by the PHA, working in partnership with local councils, health and social care trusts, and community networks.

To accommodate the range of needs of those vulnerable to the cold, four different ‘Keep Warm’ packs have been developed. Experience from previous ‘Keep Warm’ pack schemes has demonstrated that the items included in the packs this winter are the most effective and well received by beneficiaries.

The PHA ‘Keep Warm’ packs, which contain a fleece top, thermal underwear, socks and a blanket, are for children and adults and who are at high risk of cold-related illnesses. Wearing warm clothes is vital to help protect against the effects of the cold for people who are living in fuel poverty 

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA, said: “With the cold weather upon us and temperatures being ever changeable, it is vital that vulnerable people are given the means to help them keep warm this winter. The Public Health Agency is working in partnership with local organisations to reach people who are at greater risk of cold-related illness. These community, voluntary and statutory partners are essential in supporting us to ensure that warm clothing gets quickly to those who need it most. This programme is part of a range of measures that the Public Health Agency is taking forward to help vulnerable people and tackle fuel poverty”

Top tips for keeping warm during the cold weather:

• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes and if you are going outside, wear boots, hats, gloves and scarves. Remember, the roads and pavements may be slippery. Take a mobile phone with you.
• Keep your living room and bedrooms warm – between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade – and avoid going outside if possible.
• Keeping active will help you stay warm so try to move around at least once an hour.
• Use a blanket or shawl to keep yourself warm when sitting down. Put the blanket over your knees or shoulders to help you keep warm when watching TV, reading a book or lying down to rest.
• Look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk during the cold weather – especially the elderly and those who are ill. It is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first place. Prevention is always easier than cure.

‘Keep Warm’ packs will be distributed regionally over the coming weeks, where they will be given to those most in need as the cold weather sets in.