Find out how to access local information and support to help you and your family stay well throughout the winter months. On this page:
Covid-19 and flu vaccinations
Both the flu and Covid-19 viruses will be in circulation this winter. Vaccination provides the best possible protection against both illnesses for you, the people you care for and your loved ones.
Visit the vaccination section of the Healthier Together website for information about vaccination in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, including how to get vaccinated and eligibility.
Find out about the Covid-19 vaccine and how to get itFind out about the flu vaccine and how to get it
Keeping warm and get help with heating
Make sure you’re getting all the help that you’re entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
Your local authority has lots of information about how to access financial help and support through the winter months:
Bristol City Council: Cost of living support
North Somerset Council: Cost of living advice and guidance
South Gloucestershire Council: Help with the cost of living
There are a number of venues set up in the local community which offer a place for people to keep warm, socialise with others and access support related to the cost of living. You can find information about these spaces on your local authority website:
Bristol City Council: Welcoming Spaces
When you’re feeling unwell or need medical help
When you feel unwell or need medical help, using the right service can help you get the right care in the quickest way.
The local NHS website for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire has information about NHS services, how they can help and how to contact them.
Which NHS Service should I use?
Winter illnesses
Visit the NHS website for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire for information and advice on common winter illnesses, including what you can do to feel better and when to see a GP. There is also lots of information and advice about self-care.
How to treat common winter illnessesNHS advice about self-care
If your condition is something you will be able to treat at home, there are many apps available to help:
- The local NHS health and care apps library features thousands of apps to help you manage a wide range of long-term conditions
- The NHS HANDi app is designed by paediatric specialists and provides simple, straightforward advice for a range of common conditions.
Mental health support
If you need urgent help for mental health but it’s not an emergency, call 111 or your local NHS mental health helpline.
Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline
If you need help with mental health but don’t know where to start, the NHS website for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire has information about mental health services, how they can help you and how to contact them.
NHS information about mental health services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Holiday service closures
Over the festive period, there will be a change in opening times for some NHS services, such as pharmacies and GP surgeries, with some closures on the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
Make sure you get your prescription medicines in good time to avoid any last-minute panics. You can order a repeat prescription by logging into your NHS account using the NHS app or NHS website, or by contacting your GP surgery.
Visit the NHS website for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to find your nearest pharmacy and opening times over the bank holidays.
If you need help over the holiday period when the GP practice or pharmacy is closed or you’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 can help.
Looking out for other people
Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over the winter.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather.
Age UK has lots of advice on staying warm and healthy throughout the winter months, including things you can do to help someone else.
