Winter health, wellbeing, and safety

8 top tips for getting your home winter-ready

How to protect your property from frozen and burst pipes, and what to do if it happens.

In bad weather, you may need to clear snow from your path or driveway.

Get advice from the NHS about looking after yourself during the winter.

It's very important to stay warm during the winter. Read advice on keeping your home warm this winter.

Cleveland Fire Brigade's free Stay Safe and Warm scheme offers access to borrow heaters and other equipment for those struggling to stay warm in their home.

Visit the Met Office Website for a detailed, up to date weather forecast so you know when bad weather is predicted.

Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency works with older and vulnerable people to make their homes safer.

Age UK has advice on looking after your health and wellbeing in the winter, including staying healthy, managing your money, and looking after your mental health.

Independent Age (0800 319 6789) and Silverline (0800 4 70 80 90) offer free, confidential advice and friendship over the phone

We know that because of the cost of living crisis, lots of people might be struggling with money. Debt Advice Foundation, National Debtline, and PayPlan can all offer advice if you're in debt. If you're worried about having enough money to last through the winter, the Money Advice Service has a budget planner to help you manage your money.

Citizens Advice has advice about what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills. Some companies offer grants to customers who are having financial trouble.

Based on your income and whether you're getting certain benefits, you might be eligible for financial support over the winter:

• Winter Fuel Payment is a payment to help you pay your heating bill
• Cold Weather Payment is a payment for every seven day period of very cold weather
• The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers you a one-off discount on your electricity bill
• View the cost of living section of this website for more help and support.

Halfords offers a free 5-point safety check for your car. You can upgrade to a 10-point safety check for extra reassurance.

The RAC has tips on driving safely and keeping your car moving in the winter.

View the essential items for your winter breakdown kit.

The Met Office has useful advice on travelling during the winter, including dealing with bad weather (storms, snow, strong winds, fog), cycling, and using public transport.