Winter warmer packs delivered to protect vulnerable from freezing temperatures

As the UK has its first weather warnings and temperatures drop, a campaign to protect the most vulnerable over winter has been launched in Wandsworth.

The Winter Warmer Campaign is providing free warmer packs for older and disabled people to ensure they stay warm and safe during the winter months where adverse weather can prevent them from leaving the house.

The campaign was launched after figures revealed one person dies every day as a result of being too cold in their own home during the coldest months of the year and is being run in partnership with Wandsworth Department of Public Health, Leonard Cheshire Disabliity and Age UK Wandsworth.

Volunteers will be giving packets of soup, blankets, scarfs, gloves and duvets to people in the community and offering advice and support on the best ways to keep warm.

Leonard Cheshire Disability Randall Close resource centre service manager, William Gallagher said: “We want to reach out to not just the people who use our services but as many people in the community as we can to let them know we are here to help and can offer free warming packs to those who need them.

Channel 5 weather presenter and OK! Magazine columnist Sian Welby has backed the campaign and spent an afternoon gathering duvets and blankets form shops in Wandsworth to add to the free warmer packs. Ms Welby, who is a Leonard Cheshire Disability supporter, said: “As the freezing winter weather is set to hit the capital it is vital disabled and older people take action through the winter warmer campaign to ensure they are well prepared. Wrap up warm with the extra duvets and blankets in the free packs to keep well this winter.”

Councillor Jim Maddan, Wandsworth Council’s spokesman for adult care and health, said: “Our social services teams are calling more than 1,500 vulnerable people to check on them this winter, and we’re helping people get the advice and support they need to stay healthy and warm. “I would urge anyone with an elderly friend, relative or neighbour to keep an eye on them this winter so that together we can protect our vulnerable residents.”