Keeping yourself warm

Making small changes can help you stay comfortable, warm and save on energy costs. 

Top tips

We know times are tough for lots of people. These top tips could help you stay warm and comfortable as well as saving you money.

Wear more layers of clothing or cover up with a fleece blanket
Keep your feet and hands warm with gloves, socks and slippers
Stay warm in bed at night with fleece bedding or extra blankets
Keep moving - move your body as much as you can to stay warm
Eat well and try to have at least one hot meal a day as well as hot drinks
Get your vaccinations for flu, covid and other winter illnesses

More information on how to keep yourself warm is given below:

We offer support and help whether you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless. We'll give you advice based on your own circumstances.   There are lots of services to help you stay in your current home.  If that's not an option, we can help you to find a different home.  You can look at the advice on this page first and if you've any more questions, you can call 0800 2346084
1. Layer up
  
  Instead of turning up the heating, you can put on another layer like a jumper or a fleece.
  
  Wearing a few thin layers will keep you warmer than wearing one thick layer because layers trap warm air between them.
  
  Cover up with a fleece blanket when you are sitting still or try using a hot water bottle.
2. Keep your feet and hands warm
  
  Keeping your hands and feet warm will make you more comfortable. It helps by keeping warm blood flowing around your body.
  
  How to keep your feet warm
  
  Wear thick socks and slippers when you are indoors. This will help trap heat and keep your feet warmer. When you're outside, wear thermal socks and shoes that are waterproof if you can.
  
  How to keep your hands warm
  
  Wear gloves even when you are indoors. Gloves made of wool are best for keeping your hands warm. You can also use hand warmers.
  
  You can also wear layers of thin socks or gloves which will help to trap warm air close to your feet and hands.
We offer support and help whether you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless. We'll give you advice based on your own circumstances.   There are lots of services to help you stay in your current home.  If that's not an option, we can help you to find a different home.  You can look at the advice on this page first and if you've any more questions, you can call 0800 2346084
1. Staying warm at night
  
  Temperatures drop when it gets dark, so in winter it's important to keep as warm as possible at night.
  
  Bedding
  
  Staying warm in bed is important for us all in winter. Use extra blankets or buy fleece bedding if you can. These are the warmest kind, as they trap body heat better than cotton sheets. Using tog duvets will also keep you warmer (duvet togs range from tog 1 to tog 15. The higher the tog, the better for warmth, meaning you'll be a lot warmer if you choose a higher rating).
  
  Electric or weighted blankets
  
  An electric blanket is a lot cheaper to run than a heater. It provides constant heat through the night. Weighted blankets are very comforting and keep you warm by stopping draughts.
  
  Pyjamas
  
  Wearing warm clothes in winter is important at night. Fleece pyjamas will trap body heat and keep you warm. Don't forget your feet, socks will keep your feet warm and help you sleep.
  
  Hot water bottle
  
  Hot water bottles are cheap and stay warm for hours. Try putting one in the bed about half an hour before you go to bed. Take care filling the hot water bottle and make sure the stopper is tight before you use it.
2. Keep moving
  
  Moving around now and then is a great way to keep warm.
  
  It will help you with your strength and mobility. Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time. You could walk up and down the stairs or put some music on and dance!
  
  If standing is difficult, you can still move in your chair, lift and lower each arm and leg, or make circles with your hands and feet.
  
  Moving any part of your body will help, it's important you do what feels right and safe for you.
3. Eat well
  
  Hot food and drinks can help you to keep warm, so try to have at least one hot meal a day and as many hot drinks as you can.
  
  Try to eat a range of foods everyday including fruit and vegetables (frozen and tinned are as good as fresh). Try to keep your cupboards stocked with basics in case you can't get out to the shops.
  
  Remember it's better to eat something than to eat nothing – even if it's a slice of cake.
4. Get your winter vaccinations
  
  Respiratory illnesses, like flu and coronavirus, are more common in winter, so it's important to get your vaccinations.
  
  If you're 65 or over you might be due a coronavirus booster jab. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  You can get a free flu jab from your doctor or pharmacist if you:
  
  are aged 65 or over
  
  care for a friend or family member
  
  are under 65 and have a serious long-term health condition
  
  live in the same house as someone with a long-term health condition
  
  are in residential care
  
  If you get the free flu jab, ask about the vaccine to protect you from pneumonia. Also ask about the Shingles vaccine.
5. Furniture
  
  Rearranging your furniture can help too. In winter move your sofa or chairs in a place that gets the most sunlight and heat. If you work from home, you could put your desk in a sunny spot.
  
  Try to keep furniture out of draughts and never put sofas or large items in front of radiators or heating ducts because they will block the heat into the room.
6. Cooking
  
  The cooker can help to heat your kitchen. When you use the oven in winter try leaving your oven open for a while after you are finished.
7. Avoid and report energy scams
  
  Watch out for scams pretending to be from energy companies and Ofgem. Never click on links asking for personal or bank details and always report any scams to: www.actionfraud.police.uk
8. Keeping your home warm
  
  Continue to keeping your home warm page