Cold weather communications toolkit 2024/25 Supporting document for the Adverse Weather and Health Plan

Introduction

This toolkit supports UKHSA’s Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP) and the updated Cold-Health Alerting (CHA) service. This is the second toolkit for stakeholders for communicating in periods of adverse weather, with the last one being from June for hot weather.

The communication material in this toolkit relates specifically to cold weather and is intended to provide basic health information that can be communicated during cold spells so that the right messages reach the right people at the right time.

The content included in this toolkit can be used to target both public and professional audiences. It contains background information, key messages, suggested social media copy, social media assets and links to useful information. For further information about our national campaign and communications please contact: externalaffairs@ukhsa.gov.uk Sign up to their Stakeholder Cascade to receive a weekly newsletter with the latest news, updates and guidance from UKHSA Follow UKHSA on X (Twitter): @UKHSA

About the Adverse Weather and Health Plan

The Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP) published in April 2023 delivers UKHSA’s commitment under the National Adaptation Programme to develop a single plan, bringing together and improving current guidance on weather and health.

It builds on existing measures taken by government, its agencies, NHS England and local authorities, to protect individuals and communities from the health effects of adverse weather and to build community resilience.

The Plan outlines the important areas where the public sector, independent sector, voluntary sector, health and social care organisations and local communities can work together to maintain and improve integrated arrangements for planning and response to deliver the best outcomes possible during adverse weather.

The Plan is underpinned by:

  • an evidence collection, published in parallel, that underlines the activities and scientific evidence that support the Plan
  • guidance and support materials
  • the Weather-Health alerts (heat and cold), developed in collaboration with the Met Office

Key messages for adult social care managers

Guidance for adult social care managers provides advice to managers working in the social care sector on how to reduce the risks of cold weather to the health and wellbeing of those who receive care. Main messages are:

In all settings, you should reduce the risks associated with exposure to cold weather by:

  • developing, and where necessary implementing, business continuity plans (BCP) for cold weather, and ensuring all staff know how to take action accordingly
  • protecting clients and staff by promoting COVID-19 and flu vaccination for them
  • taking simple measures to protect clients and staff from cold, snow and/or ice

If you work in a setting that provides care in clients’ own homes, you should also:

  • identify who is at higher risk of cold-related illnesses and how to reduce that risk
  • have a plan in place for individuals you are responsible for to keep them warm during the winter and ensure staff know how to raise concerns regarding clients they are working with if necessary
  • ensure staff are aware of main sources of support for housing, energy bills and other needs to signpost clients to, including support for those on low incomes.
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