Stay Well this Winter 2024 / 2025

Prepare for Winter and get vaccinated against the flu virus. Flu vaccination is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children at risk of flu and its complications. However for certain groups, flu can be more severe, and therefore be eligible for the free flu jab.

You are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are aged 65 years or over, have a long-term health condition (check which conditions are eligible), or are a carer. Children aged 2 or 3 years are also eligible.

Contact your local GP surgery, local pharmacy or midwifery service for your free NHS flu vaccine to help protect you against the risk of flu and its complications.

Do you have an urgent but non-life-threatening medical concern? Not sure what to do? Ring NHS 111 to find out what to do and where to go.

NHS 111 (online or by phone) will direct you to the most appropriate local service. This is particularly

important when your pharmacy is closed to ensure that you get the support you need 24 hours a day.

Seek advice from a local pharmacist to prepare for winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals with the clinical know how to give you the help you need, whether it’s over the counter medicines, a few days rest or a bit of reassurance. Better still all this can be done without the need of an appointment.

Most people live within easy reach of a pharmacy, and with many now offering longer opening hours, it’s easier to get the help and advice you need, without booking an appointment.

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit: https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy/

Your Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership (CAPASP) is a county-wide partnership of public, private and voluntary sector organisations committed to working together to stop scams and doorstep crime across the county.

You can help protect your local community by raising awareness of scams. This helps people to identify when they might be at risk, and empowers them to take action. Please see the scam prevention resources webpage for materials to help support your community.

By attending a Friends Against Scams awareness session or completing the online learning, you can learn about the different types of scams and how to spot and support a victim. With increased knowledge and awareness, people can make scams part of everyday conversation with their family, friends and neighbours, which will enable them to protect themselves and others.

Information and advice for those aged 65+ with a wide range of matters such as Welfare Benefits and health and social care advice. Support with complex, difficult situations such as bereavement, illness, housing and financial matters.

Practical support with Hospital Discharge, Handy-person, falls equipment, key safes etc. and Community Wardens, Home Support and social, emotional and friendship support through volunteer calls and visits, clubs and a vast array of volunteering opportunities.

Contact Age UK now by email or ring 0300 666 9860

Are you or have you served in the armed forces, either as a regular or reservist? Have you suffered any physical or mental injury or illness as a result of service? Are you a family member (spouse, including those bereaved, or dependent child) of someone that is serving or has served in the armed forces, regular or reservist?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise between the nation, the government and the Armed Forces community, ensuring that those who serve, and have served, in the Armed Forces and their families, are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged by their service. It also states that in some cases special consideration to those wounded, injured or sick and the bereaved should be given.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnerships are in place to support delivery of the above pledge. There are many services across the county that support those in the military community.

If you are needing support, you can access a full list of support organisations through the Forces Connect App. If you don’t have access to a smart device and are needing help and support with a service related issue please email covenant@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

We offer short-term practical and emotional support up to 6 weeks to help people improve their well being and quality of life and live independently in their community.

If you're returning from hospital, we make sure you have everything you need for your first 24 to 72 hours back at home.

We may then provide up to 12 weeks of support depending on the level of help you need.

What help you will get

We'll assess your needs and help you decide what goals you want to achieve with our help.

We offer practical and emotional support including:

• Taking service users home from hospital and helping them settle back in at home – when transporting patients’ home in one of our British Red Cross vehicles (they must be Covid free and be able to access the vehicle independently)
• Undertaking home safety checks (fire risk, slips and trip hazards etc.)
• Medication collection and delivery, if required
• Deliver small equipment (wheelchairs/commodes/walking frames/perching stools) etc.
• Welfare checks post discharge
• Shopping support or taking them shopping
• Providing emotional support and companionship
• Enhanced signposting/actively referring to other agencies and community support. We assist people to meaningfully connect with relevant support through partnership working with health and social care services, and the voluntary and community sector - ensuring smooth transition of referral or support for the Service User.
• Linking people back in with friends and neighbours
• Helping regain confidence and independence
• Transport for health appointments post discharge.

Our volunteers receive full training to support you in meeting your goals.

How to get help

You can be referred by someone else (such as a hospital, primary care trust or your GP) or you can contact your local service yourself on 0345 054 7171 or email SupportathomePeterborough@redcross.org.uk 

A free Safe and Well visit for all vulnerable members of the community to provide support the safety and well being of residents.

Contact the Safe and Well Team via their online form on ring 01480 444 500

A warm welcome at your local library

All Cambridgeshire Libraries have signed up to the national campaign Warm Welcome. Within their usual opening hours, your local library will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for all members of the public throughout the year.

Find a local library near you here.

Friendly staff

• Help you find the information, services and resources you need
• Signpost you to local, district, county and national services, as well as relevant information on support with the cost of living
• Provide the Safe Space for victims of domestic abuse

Free Resources

• Free library membership
• Free books and learning resources
• Free online offer: digital magazines, newspapers, books and audio books: Your Instant Reading Room
• Free ferrule* replacement service for walking aids users (*The rubbery cap at the bottom of a walking stick or walking aid.)
• Laptops, tablets and MiFi/data devices available for loan :LendIT collection - borrow laptops and tablets free of charge from Cambridgeshire Libraries 
• National Databank scheme providing free data through a SIM card or data voucher to anyone aged 18 or over from a low-income household; available at the following libraries: Arbury Court, Bar Hill, Barnwell Road, Cambourne, Cambridge Central, Clay Farm, Ely, Huntingdon, March, St Ives, St Neots, and Wisbech libraries.

Need a space to work?

• Free WiFi
• Free computer & internet access
• Free hot desking space for work and study (although this varies by library)
• Plug/USB sockets (for charging devices)

Free or low-cost social activities / events

• Social activities/events for all ages eg. rhyme times, talks, board games, drop-in coffee mornings, craft groups etc. Please ask your local library for details or check on Library.Live/whatson. More information, including links to library social media, can be found here.
• You are welcome to have hot drinks and snacks in the library. Some libraries also offer self-serve refreshments.

In addition

• Some libraries offer extended hours via the Open+ out of hours library access. You can access the library at specific times outside of usual staffed hours at Histon, March, Rock Road, Soham and St Ives libraries.
• Mobile libraries making over 400 stops across county.
• Library@Home service for people who find it difficult to get to the library due to disability, illness or caring responsibilities.

If you live in Cambridgeshire, and are eligible, CLAS can provide information, advice and practical support and assistance in times of exceptional pressure. Following an assessment, you may be eligible for a CLAS award. The awards can be in the form of supermarket vouchers, energy vouchers, new cookers, or recycled white goods and furniture.

Eligibility

To apply to the Scheme you must have lived in Cambridgeshire for at least six months, unless you have fled to the area for your own safety. (PLEASE note that after June 30th, 2021 EU clients will need to have at least applied for Settled Status to access CLAS).

You must be facing hardship or under exceptional financial pressure. You must have no savings and receive one of the following means tested benefits:

• Income Support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

If you are working, your total household must be below the HMRC low income threshold (£16,385for 2020/21). However, if your income is higher than the low-income threshold but your earnings have been impacted by Covid-19 and you are struggling to make ends meet, CLAS might also be able to help.

Self referring to Cambridge & District Citizens Advice Bureau (covering Cambridge City and South Cambs)

• If you are a client self referring to the CLAS scheme please call the advice line (0344 848 7979 Monday – Friday 9.00 to 5.00pm)
• Depending on urgency and appointment availability, clients will be assessed at the time or given and appointment for a call back

Self referring to Citizens Advice Rural Cambs (covering East Cambs, Fenland & Huntingdonshire)

• You can call the FREE advice line 0808 278 7807 (Monday – Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm).
• Depending on urgency and appointment availability, you will be assessed at the time or given an appointment for a call back.
• Phone assessors at CARC will submit your CLAS application to the CLAS Lead for sign off.

NB: You will be required to:

1. Complete an initial assessment.
2. Provide proof of income/benefits to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
3. This information must be supplied before an award is granted.
4. You are encouraged to have documents available at the time of call. Proof can be submitted via email by sending a scanned document or photo - the adviser will provide you with these details at the time of call.

The Cambridgeshire Guide to Independent Living is your guide to local information and support for older people, people with disabilities, and their carers: Cambridgeshire Guide to Independent Living | Care Choices

Our Community Navigators help you find local support to stay safe and well all year round, including our free Help at Home practical and emotional support to maintain independence and Well-being Phone line services to help build confidence and reconnect with your community.

Speak to us today if you live in:

• Fenland: 01354 695208
• East Cambridgeshire: 01353 659639
• Cambridge City: 01223 300460
• South Cambridgeshire: 01954 212100
• Huntingdonshire: 01480 775493

Or visit Care Network now for more details.

If you are a Carer, Caring Together is here to help you.

Our website has information on the support we have for adult carers including groups for carers, emergency planning and carer voice. There is also support and information available for young carers. We offer homecare, which can play an important part in looking after the person you care for and in giving you a break. We also have information on subjects such as carer’s assessments.

You can call us on 0345 241 0954 or email us at hello@caringtogether.org and sign up to receive Inside news for carers every month.

Help with your problems and concerns – like debt, benefits, work, relationships and more – in total confidence.

• Contact Cambridge and District Citizens Advice via contact form or ring 0808 278 7808
• Contact Peterborough Citizens Advice via web form or call on 0808 278 7850
• Contact Rural Cambs Citizens Advice on their online advice service or call  0808 278 7807

Supporting local people on their road to recovery from a wide range of mental health challenges. Contact CPSL on email or ring 01223 311320

No one should have to face going hungry. That’s why Foodbanks provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis.

If you are reaching crisis point or in a crisis, please contact your local Foodbank below: 

• Cambridge City Foodbank
• Ely Foodbank
• Wisbech Foodbank
• Peterborough Foodbank
• Godmanchester Foodbank
• Ramsey Foodbank
• St Neots Foodbank

Foodbanks are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. 

Taking those first steps towards a healthier lifestyle is not always easy, despite the positive impact it has on your health. Moving more, eating well and sleeping well helps to protect you and keep you healthy during the winter months.

To help and support you make some small positive changes to your lifestyle, Healthy You offer a free service for residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Their free services include, but are not limited to:

• Adult Weight Management
• NHS Health Checks
• Stop Smoking Services
• Falls prevention
• Health Trainer Service

Healthy You can support you to make those small changes and create achievable goals to help you improve your health and wellbeing. We will provide you with the tools, encouragement and motivational support every step of the way. 

For more information on our range of FREE Services:

Text: HEALTHYU to 60777

Call: 0333 005 0093

Or visit the Healthy You website for further information and to self-refer into any of the above services.

Supports families with young children to cope with different challenges such as twins or triplets; bereavement or illness; disability; mental ill health; money or housing problems or isolation.

Contact Home-Start now on 0116 464 5490

LEAP offers a free of charge energy advice service for those living in Peterborough or South Cambridgeshire.

Our friendly Energy Advisors can:

• offer simple energy and money saving advice via telephone
• install free simple energy saving measures such as LED light bulbs and draught-proofing during a LEAP follow up home visit
• check if you’re on the best energy tariff via our dedicated energy switching service
• arrange a free money advice consultation
• help you find funding for further energy-saving home improvements.

The eligibility requirements of LEAP are designed to target households that either are already in, or are at risk of falling into fuel poverty. It is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants.

You can apply now, for you or somebody else by clicking Apply Now or by phoning free 0800 060 7567.

Contact Centre opening hours are:

8:45am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday
9.00am – 12.00pm Saturdays

A crisis can occur for lots of different reasons – benefit delays, losing a job, an unexpected bill or gradually things getting more difficult until no longer you feel you can cope. If you don’t have enough money to feed, clothe or keep warm there is help available. There is no need to struggle alone.

Visit the Making Money Count website now.

The NEA’s WASH Advice Service is a free support service providing advice to householders on their energy bills and keeping warm and safe in their home.

The service offers tailored face to face, telephone or online advice and support with:

• Warm Home Discount and Trust fund applications
• Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt
• Switching suppliers
• Energy efficiency
• Benefits advice and income maximisation

You can speak to an adviser directly by calling 0800 304 7159

If you are a current or former member of the Royal Air Force, a partner (or a widow or former spouse) with dependent children, then you may be entitled to the wide range of support from the Royal Air Force (RAF) Benevolent Fund, including:

Financial assistance with eligibility of less than £16,000 in savings (£23,250 relating to care).

• Assistance with day-to-day living costs, unemployment, retraining.
• Help with housing costs and disability adaptations and aids around the home.
• Resettlement cost with aid for initial rent and costs supported.
• Cost of mobility equipment, care costs and support for carers.
• Group and wellbeing holiday breaks.
• Help with funeral costs (eligibility criteria pending)

None means-tested support includes:

• Advice and advocacy - welfare benefits and housing and social care.
• Emotional health and wellbeing- listening and counselling service (relationships, bereavement, anxiety and self-esteem). 24/7 emotional support helpline run in partnership with Vita Wellness providing immediate, one-off emotional support from trained counsellors.
• Counselling support for children aged +11.
• Access to 4 self-help programmes for people struggling with specific wellbeing issues. The modules are Space from COVID, Space for Resilience, Space for Sleep, Space from Stress.
• Legal Advice Helpline - in partnership with Law Express, to provide access to confidential and impartial legal telephone support. This service can be accessed by contacting legal.advice@rafbf.org.uk

To access any of the wide range of support available, please contact the RAF Benevolent Fund on 0300 102 1919 or email  mail@rafbf.org.uk

Do you feel socially Isolated?

In Cambridgeshire, Matt Rowe as Community Engagement Worker offers support to members of the RAF family of all ages who feel socially isolated. Following an assessment support can be given to engage in local or veteran based activities as well as telephone friendship groups and on-line resources for those that struggle to leave the home. Financial support can be provided to fund the engagement and travel cost associated with activities.

If you do feel socially isolated, please email Matt Rowe at Matt.rowe@rafbf.org.uk

Local community based organisations supporting people to improve their health and well being in Peterborough.

Contact the Peterborough Well being Service now on 01733 342683