We are aware that lots of people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and especially with rising energy bills.  We know that keeping warm is very important for everyone, but essential for those with chronic health conditions.  We wanted to make you aware of advice and support that is available to help in these difficult times.

Age UK has a very useful self-management care guide (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/keep-well-this-winter/stay-healthy-in-winter/) which has lots of hints and tips of things that you can do to help yourself keep warm and keep bills down.   Age UK Nottingham also offer a Safe & Sound team which can help you stay warm this winter with help with heating problems, loaning oil-filled radiators and energy checks for over 50s.  You can contact them during office hours on 0115 859 9260 or email safeandsound@ageuknotts.org.uk.

The Nottingham Energy Partnership delivers the national Healthy Housing service for Nottingham which can provide free home improvements and energy advice to eligible people. Check the website (https://nottenergy.com/our-services/healthy-housing/) to see if you are eligible and to complete a self-referral form, or there is a phone number if you prefer to speak to someone directly.

There are also Warm Welcome Spaces being set up around the country by various religious groups and charities, which offer a safe, warm place that you can go to keep warm and help reduce your bills.  We are only aware of one set up in Nottingham City so far – at Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls (King Edward Street, NG1 1EU, https://salvationarmy.org.uk/nottingham-william-booth-memorial-halls ) being run by the Salvation Army offering a warm space on Wednesdays from 10AM-1PM with soup being served at 12noon, as well as refreshments and a place to sit and chat.  However, we hope that more may be added throughout the winter.  Check the website for more up to date information (https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space ).

We know that times are difficult right now and that this is bigger than just your health.  We want you to know that we understand and will try and do our best to support you, as well as continuing all our other jobs.  We now have teams of specialist staff (social prescribers/link workers) that can help with issues, such as debt, housing, loneliness.  So, if you are struggling, or need help and support with any of this, please let us know and we can refer you to specialist staff our social prescribers for additional help and support.

The Windmill Practice

Nottingham City East Primary Care Network (PCN6)