Winter can be a tough time for many people,  especially if they are old or vulnerable.

This is why we’re working with health partners and Dorset Fire and Rescue to help older people stay safe and warm during the coming winter months.

A number of organisations nationally, including Public Health England and the NHS, have come together to launch a campaign called Stay Well This Winter. This is a collective effort to make sure people are protected from the elements this winter while also making sure people are aware and able to see the right people for support and help.

The next batch of letters for our Healthy Homes scheme, which aims to improve the quality of homes occupied by vulnerable people in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, has gone out. The last mail out, which goes to homes targeted based on need, generated about a hundred calls within the first two weeks.

Dorset Fire and Rescue has also launched a new campaign ‘A Mile of Winter Scarves’. Fire service staff across Dorset will be donating scarves throughout October, the aim being to collect at least a mile length of them in total. These scarves will then be given out this winter by charitable organisations that help needy elderly people across our county.

In October, an educational talk was delivered to a balance and falls group to discuss both Home Safety and Safe and Independent Living (SAIL).

“Winter can be a difficult time for many older people and we want to do as much as possible to help them through it,” says Rachel Partridge, our assistant director of public health, “By working in partnership with Dorset Fire and Rescue, along with our partners in local councils and the NHS, we can make sure the right messages and support are given to those who need it.”

Cllr Rebecca Knox, Chair of Dorset Fire Authority and Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Wellbeing at Dorset County Council, adds: “Staying safe in the home is a priority for the fire and rescue service, health and adult service colleagues.

“By building on the Safe and Independent Living initiative which Dorset Fire and Rescue pioneered, to include practical support such as Cold Alert devices and advice on staying warm for vulnerable people, helping them through the cold winter months, together can help many residents continue to live at home independently, with greater peace of mind.

“Thank you to everyone who has come together to work together on this, a great initiative with fantastic outcomes, prevention work is key.”