A Winter Wellbeing guide is being launched today to help people in Cornwall stay warm and healthy over the coming months.

The practical guide, published online and as a leaflet by Cornwall Council, gives information on insulation, heating, and how to save money on energy by switching companies or tariffs.

There is also information on how people with a health condition who can’t afford to heat their home can get extra help.

More than 350 people have already had new heating installed through the Government funded ’Warm and Well’ scheme.

Being able to heat a home is not just about staying warm, says the Council; there are other important benefits, such as keeping away mould which can make illness such as asthma worse, helping people concentrate on staying in work or applying for jobs, and reducing stress and improving mental wellbeing.

Steve Brown, who is in charge of Wellbeing and Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: ‘Keeping warm is vital to staying healthy, particularly for those who are more vulnerable to the cold such as the elderly and people with a long-term health condition.

‘One of our top priorities is to prevent illness and deaths from the cold weather.’

Meanwhile, Dr Tim Jones from Cornish energy charity Community Energy Plus, said that rising energy prices were a ‘serious concern to many householders’.

‘People living in cold homes shouldn’t suffer in silence,’ he said.

‘Advice and practical help from a large network of local organisations is just a phone call away to help Cornish householders take action to enjoy warmer homes and lower energy bills this winter.’

The Winter Wellbeing guides also provide helpful information on what to do in an emergency such as flooding or snow, how to drive safely, keeping well by stocking up on medicines, as well as how to get financial help.

In 2017 the service supported 1,669 people in Cornwall, and of these:

42 people benefitted from new central heating, 838 people received energy advice, and 179 people got help from the ‘Warm and Well’ fund.

The guides are available as printed copies at Council One Stop Shops, GP surgeries and health centres, hospitals, children’s centres, and Job Centres. They are also available to view online at www.cornwall.gov.uk/winterwellbeing.