Cold winter weather can be harmful to health, not just by increasing the risk of getting colds, coughs and flu but by weakening the body’s ability to fight off viruses and infections, and increasing risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes and chest infections.
The NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign gives advice on being prepared for winter. The Stay Well This Winter leaflet provides some top tips for staving off the shivers in the wintertime. Further information is also available on this Stay Well information sheet.
Older people aged 65 and over and those with a long term condition including heart disease, COPD and Diabetes are particularly vulnerable to winter illnesses. If you are aware of a neighbour, friend, or relative who is over 65 or has a long term condition and may find it difficult to get out, try to check that they are warm, well and their medicine cabinet is stocked up. Having some company may also reduce social isolation. To find out more about support and activities for older adults visit the Adult Hub Activity website.
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Would you like to save money on your fuel bills? You may be able to claim financial help with your heating costs through the Winter Fuel Payment, the Cold Weather Payment, and the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The Winter Fuel Payment is eligible to those who were born on or before 5 August 1953, and you could receive between £100 and £300 to help with your heating bills during the colder months. You still have until 31 March 2018 to claim for the 2017-2018 winter!
The Cold Weather Payment is given if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0 degrees Celsius, or below for seven consecutive days. Each household receives a payment of £25 for each seven-day period of cold weather. The Cold Weather Payment runs from 1 November to 31 March.
On the Warm Home Discount Scheme, you could get £140 in a one-off discount on your electricity bill between September and March. If your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity, you could get the discount on your gas bill instead, but you would need to contact your supplier to find out.
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 North Lincolnshire Council have also launched a new project through their South Humber Energy Efficiency Partnership (SHEEP), offering homeowners and private tenants funding for energy-saving home improvements. There is funding available for a wide range of measures, and, in some cases, the work carried out can be fully funded through the scheme.
The scheme offers funding for boiler upgrades (oil, gas, and LPG), central heating, A-rated electric storage heaters, loft insulation, and cavity wall and external wall insulation. In addition, funding is also available for homeowners suffering from a diagnosed cold-related illness, such as COPD or a terminal illness.
The amount of funding provided by the scheme is determined by the type of property you live in, and what work you are having done. In some circumstances, residents may need to meet specific qualifying criteria for funding to be released, whereas, sometimes, funding can be allocated based on your property type.
To enquire about this funding, contact the Affordable Warmth Officer on 01724 297 000, or complete an online Home Assistance Enquiry form (be sure to quote 'SHEEP SCHEME' on the online form when completing).
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Get healthy and active in 2018 by completing the North Lincolnshire Council 'Healthy and Active Passport'. A free six week programme, commencing 17 January 2018 - 12 noon to 3pm at the Central Community Centre, Scunthorpe, DN15 6QU.
To book your place or to find out further details, please contact 01724 297212.
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Local Healthwatch are independent consumer champions created to gather and represent the views of the public. Their role is to ensure that the voices of those who use health and social care services are listened to by those who plan and provide care.
Healthwatch North Lincolnshire is undertaking research into people’s experiences of the outpatient process. The findings will highlight what is working well and give recommendations for improvement.
The information you provide may be shared with service providers, however, your personal details will not be passed on and all responses will be anonymised.
Complete the survey online or download the paper version of the Healthwatch survey and have your say. Surveys to be returned by 15 December.
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We are currently hiring!
North Lincolnshire Council's Home First Services are now recruiting Care and Support Staff in North Lincolnshire.
Home First are looking for caring, compassionate and committed individuals, and, in return, great training and development opportunities are available with good rates of pay.
No experience is necessary to apply for this role.
Home First will be holding a drop-in session at Café INDIEpendent on Scunthorpe High Street on 9 December, 10:30am to 2pm. Feel free to attend to find out more about these exciting opportunities! Alternatively, contact 01724 298 148 for more information.
View other current council vacancies
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Ever since the Action Station opened, they have used the foodbank to support their clients who are in crisis situations. In the charitable spirit of Christmas, staff are looking to help those who are in need, by putting together a Christmas food parcel to deliver to the foodbank.
All donations are being collected and stored at the Action Station, Cole Street, Scunthorpe, and the deadline for donations is 11 December 2017.
If you have any questions regarding the collections, please contact Adam Muftah on adam.muftah@northlincs.gov.uk, or Natalie Staniforth on natalie.staniforth@northlincs.gov.uk, or call 01724 296 969.
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Rethink Scunthorpe Carers Group
invite you to join them at their open evening. They welcome
new and old members to share some festive treats, and offer
the opportunity to join future group meetings, offering
support through shared experience.
Tuesday 5 December
7:30pm to 9:30pm at St Bernadette’s Parish Centre, Ashby Road,
North Lincolnshire DN16 2RS
Please call 07552 136884 to let them know you are attending. Lots more information on the Rethink website.
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 The £1 million plans to refurbish the North Lincolnshire Central Library in Scunthorpe are now well underway.
The refurbishment is part of a plan to give the library a complete internal makeover, and transform it into a community hub; bringing many services together under one roof.
The new library will incorporate employment, housing and council customer advice services, creating new meeting rooms and activity spaces, refurbishing the library, and a range of self-service access and improved IT suites.
Instead of having to go to multiple different buildings, residents will now simply be able to go to one building at the heart of the town to access a wide variety of services.
Key services at the Library will relocate to The Base (opposite the Library) from Monday 4 December. Prior to the move, some services currently held at the Library will be held at alternate venues. For information on which services are affected, and more information about the refurbishment, visit the council website.
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Players have a one in 50 chance of winning a prize, plus there is a jackpot of £25,000 up for grabs! Tickets cost just £1, and are available online.
Fifty pence in every pound goes to your chosen charity - double the amount the National Lottery gives to good causes. Players can choose which good cause they want to support when they buy their tickets. The draw takes place every Saturday at 8pm.
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Adult Community Learning Sale for 2018 - save £s on selected course fees:
- CACHE Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning; ECDL;
- CLAIT;
- First Steps in Computing - Award in ICT;
- Certificate in Principles of Customer Service;
- Certificate in Principles of Business Administration
To see other courses available visit the council website.
Enrollment is all year round. For more information contact Ashby Link 01724 862217 or Barton 01724 296811 you can always email nlcacl.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk
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Presented by the Rotary Club of Scunthorpe, the annual Festival of Christmas Trees is almost upon us!
See 80 individually decorated trees entered by local community groups and businesses, with live musical entertainment from a large variety of bands, choirs and carol services. Refreshments are also available!
As part of the Festival, there are special concerts by the Barnetby Silver Band and The Shower Singers Community Choir, with proceeds donated to the Lindsey Lodge Hospice.
The Festival is held at the Old Brumby United Church in Scunthorpe, on Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December.
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The Wold Singers group are holding their annual Christmas Concert on Friday 8 December at 7:30pm.
The Concert will be held at Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, near Brumby Corner.
Tickets are £5.00 and will include light refreshments. Tickets are available on the door or by telephoning 01724 850 518.
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 Visit Normanby Hall Country Park at this captivating, magical time of year!
Children can meet both Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, which includes a special gift, and a ride on the miniature railway - all for just £6.50! Why not witness some wildlife up close as the rangers feed the deer?
There's a wide range of many other activities for both the little ones and the grown-ups; festive stories, Christmas-themed activities, and, new for this year, a festive brunch with Santa and Mrs Claus! Browse some stalls at the traditional Christmas fayre, or relax for a bite to eat at the Christmas afternoon teas!
Get into the spirit of Christmas with some carol singing, or perhaps browse the huge range of stalls selling festive merchandise?
To find out more, visit the council's website!
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Do you want to get out and about and meet new people? Do you have a particular interest you would like to explore?
Take a look at this new website for you to search for local groups and activities to join in.
There are over 300 listings and you can filter them by date, area or type of activity.
If you run a club or group and you would like us to share your information, please email ais@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 296607.
See more What's On at the bottom of the council homepage.
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