A new winter health campaign launches to help people take care of their health

Local health and care organisations in Norfolk and Waveney have launched a new “Give Your NHS a Hand This Winter” campaign to help residents stay as well as possible during the cold months ahead.

The campaign aims to encourage Norfolk and Waveney residents to look after their health and wellbeing by preparing for winter illnesses and ailments in a bid to improve health outcomes and help reduce pressure on local health services.

Created in partnership with the local NHS, county councils, district councils and the wider health and care system, the campaign will help people understand how they can best protect their health and support their mental wellbeing during this challenging time, with both COVID-19 and seasonal viruses, such as flu, circulating.

The campaign promotes some of the essential ways that residents can look after their health and wellbeing this winter, including:

• Getting their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Keeping themselves well this winter by staying warm, keeping active indoors and outside, and keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet so they are prepared for common illnesses
• Encouraging use of the NHS 111 service, community pharmacies, Minor Injuries Units, and GP practice services instead of going to A&E
• Supporting people to look after their mental health

Cath Byford, Chief Nurse of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We are facing a tough winter this year with both flu and COVID-19 both in circulation. Vaccines are the best protection we have against these serious and deadly illnesses. Our flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes continue at pace and I want to thank the thousands of people that have come forward to get their jabs already. With this campaign we hope to encourage everyone to get vaccinated when offered, as well as taking up some of the practical health and wellbeing advice to take care of their health and wellbeing this winter.”

Launching during Self-Care Week (15-22 November), the campaign is set to provide timely information and advice on practical ways that people can help to keep themselves well this winter. In addition to information and resources to support people to stay warm and active for their health, the campaign also includes guidance on ways to stop the spread of infectious illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and the common cold.

Louise Smith, Director of Public Health at Norfolk County Council, said: “This winter it is more important than ever that we keep practicing good infection prevention and control measures to help reduce the risk of transmitting and catching viruses. Washing your hands thoroughly with warm soap and water for 20 seconds, using hand sanitiser regularly, and wearing a face mask while out in public will help protect you and those around you from serious winter illnesses.”

A new online portal www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk has been created where people will find key information and resources to help them stay well this winter. Residents will be able to find information about topics such as winter hardship resources, information on what types of health services they can access for their health needs, health and wellbeing advice, as well as mental health advice and support services which can be especially important during the challenging winter months.

Stuart Richardson, Chief Executive of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The earlier people receive support for their mental health, the more likely they are to benefit from treatment. I encourage anyone who is struggling to come forward to get the support they need.

“For people who are experiencing anxiety and depression, talking therapies are most effective. These can be accessed through Wellbeing either online by visiting www.wellbeingnands.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 1503.”

For more information on Give Your NHS a Hand and to access the winter health and wellbeing resources, visit www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk.