Winter wellness – where to go for help and support
As winter approaches we know that many people may not feel up to venturing outdoors in the cold, so may be feeling lonely and isolated. External factors such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the natural disasters elsewhere in the world may also be contributing to feelings of sadness, worry and uncertainty.
However, the strain of staying at home can be exacerbated by the rising cost of living and increased fuel bills. Thankfully there are lots of warm and safe spaces across the borough. For example, libraries across the borough will be available as warm spaces, with some other community groups opening their doors. To check the nearest location for these Warm and Welcome spaces, visit the map here.
Keeping in touch with friends, family and the people we trust is important if we’re feeling low, anxious or depressed and there are a broad range of services available to support people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.
If you need support or someone to talk to you can also phone the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service.
They're open every day and staff can chat with you on the phone, on video or can arrange to meet you safely in person if that’s what you prefer. It’s up to you. Just give them a call and they'll get it sorted.
Phone 020 8637 6279 everyday 8am to 8pm or for out of hours support call the CNWL single point of access for telephone support on: 0800 0234 650.You can also email grenfell.wellbeingservice@nhs.net
The council also runs services to support young people’s emotional health and wellbeing. Visit We Got U, U Got This for more information.
If you need advice over winter on a non-life-threatening medical need, then many pharmacies can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor. Please only attend A&E if you have a physical health emergency.
NHS 111 is another easy way to get advice for your physical or mental health. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can visit their website at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.
If you’re looking for work or career change, you can visit the Lancaster West Employment and Training Hub, which runs a series of courses and classes to help you build your skills and seek employment opportunities. This hub is available to all residents aged 16+.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea also provides a range of programmes and finding packages to support families who might be struggling to pay their bills. These include local support payments and free school meals.
Hot meals are also available through the Holiday Activities and Food programme that runs over the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. This Government-funded initiative provides free activities and food for children aged four to 16 who are eligible for free school meals.
More information on the support that's available for families is available at https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/cost-living-support-hub/support-families and here.
