Winter can be a challenging time. Let’s work together to help one another. By becoming a Winter Friend, you’ll receive a digital pack with additional resources about supporting others. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. Our pack will include some tips and ideas on how you can help.
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Why not check if a neighbour needs some things adding to your order to save them a trip to the supermarket?
If you do need to go out and buy food, you could offer to pick up a few essentials for a vulnerable neighbour or family member to help keep them safe.
Our Support in Leeds page can help you find local food banks if you are supporting someone who may need assistance with groceries.
Don’t forget to wash or sanitise your hands when you go to someone’s home
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Join our Winter Friends Facebook group. In this community, you’ll be able to support each other and share tips for staying safe and healthy this winter.
Positive social interactions are so important to morale and can nurture mental health and wellbeing too. Even if done remotely, a little kindness can go a long way!
Positive social interactions are so important to morale and can nurture mental health and wellbeing too. Even if done remotely, a little kindness can go a long way!
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If you’re looking for more ways to help in your community, Doing Good Leeds have information about other volunteering opportunities available in Leeds.
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If you know someone who might need to get a prescription over the coming weeks, let them know about online prescription services. Check the NHS website for advice.
Welcome spaces are a beacon of hope and friendship. They are a place for people to have a warm and welcoming space to go to this winter. Welcome spaces have been set up across Leeds for people to gather for free in a warm, safe, welcoming place and enjoy a hot drink and make new friendships.
Together Leeds has a variety of resources available for those who require extra support this winter. These resources include free, confidential and impartial help and advice from the Money Information Centre on a range of money-related matters. Together Leeds also has practical advice and information on heating, health, housing, jobs and warm spaces.
The affordable warmth strategy aims to provide affordable warmth to residents by 2030. Visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/benefits/affordable-warmth for useful information on paying your gas and electric bills and reducing your fuel bills.
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It’s important to remember to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Try mindfulness techniques and gentle exercise to boost your endorphins and mental wellbeing. You may want to learn about slow breathing techniques and grounding exercises if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.
MindWell Leeds, Mind, NHS and Leeds City Council have some excellent tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing:
