Spare a thought for the vulnerable during the cold weather

Manchester City Council is offering advice and guidance to older and vulnerable residents on staying warm and healthy during the adverse weather conditions.

The council is urging residents to be good neighbours and check in on anyone who may need help or support at this time. Neighbours are being encouraged to ensure vulnerable residents in their community are warm and have access to hot drinks and food.

Residents are advised to ensure their main living area is warm enough - the recommended temperature for older people is 21 degrees, and to wear several layers of thinner clothes as this works best for keeping warm.

It is recommended to have regular hot drinks and try to have at least one hot meal a day and taking some physical activity will also help keep you warm. If you have difficulty walking - moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes will help.

In this extremely cold weather if you are worried about your bills it may be best to try and sleep and live in one room, so ask for help and get friends and family to move your bed into the living room which will probably be the warmest room in your house. During the night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not at the same time). And if you have an electric blanket make sure you check it is safe to be left on all night and that it is checked every three years.

Manchester City Council's executive member for adult services Councillor Glynn Evans said:

"The weather conditions have been particularly extreme and our staff have also been working flat out to ensure that the elderly and vulnerable are being looked after but we would also ask Manchester residents to be good neighbours and to check in on those who may need a  little help and support. We know from the extreme conditions last year  that there were so many acts of kindness in every community and we ask you  to do the same this year. Following the practical tips will make sure we  can all stay warm and well during this bitterly cold snap."

Council services for supporting older people within their own home are operating as normal during the adverse weather conditions and this is being closely monitored to ensure that everyone who needs help gets it. It will continue to operate seven days a week and throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Anyone who needs support or help or if you are worried about an elderly neighbour or relative should call Manchester City Council's Contact Service on 234 5001 or sms text service on 07860 003 160.

Anyone who is cutting back on basics such as food or heating because they are concerned about high energy bills should call the Age Concern helpline on 0800 00 99 66 or contact Manchester Advice on 0161 234 5678.

You can find more information by visiting the Manchester Advice at: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200020/community_advice/4504/winter_warmth_campaign/1