Organisations in Cornwall yesterday launched a winter well-being programme designed to give residents advice and practical help on how to keep warm and well.

Advice is available on insulation, switching energy tariffs to save money, emergency funds for vulnerable people who can’t afford to heat homes and support to help people help themselves by getting back into employment.

More than 30 partners have joined forces to launch the sixth year of the campaign, which will run to March 31.

Dr Caroline Court, acting director for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Public Health 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.’

Dr Tim Jones from Community Energy Plus, the Cornish energy charity which hosts Winter Wellbeing’s Freephone advice line 0800 954 1956, said: ’Rising energy prices are a serious concern to many householders in Cornwall but people living in cold homes shouldn’t suffer in silence. Advice and practical help from a large network of local organisations is just a phone call away.’

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.

The guides are available in hard copy at Council One Stop Shops, GP surgeries, health centres, children’s centres or are available to view online at www.cornwall.gov.uk/winterwellbeing The free advice line is 0800 954 1956.