Right at Home launches Winter Warm Space in Willington
Friday 8th November at Willington Village Hall
Published: 05/11/2024
As part of his role as Treasurer of Willington Village Hall, our MD (John Houghton) heard that local residents were finding it challenging to heat their homes during the day.
Working with the Caretaker team at Willington Village Hall, and some members from the local Women’s Institute, we decided to launch a free “Winter Warm Space” event at the Village Hall.
The first event is launching this Friday 8th November 10am till 11.30am at Willington Village Hall.
The free event is available to all age-groups to drop-in during these times.
As well as a nice friendly warm space to attend, tea and refreshments will be available.
Why is this so important?
It is advised that houses should be heated to a minimum of 18c for adults and 21c for the elderly. With temperatures this week ranging from 7c to 11c, it could eat in to limited budgets to heat your house.
With the removal of the winter fuel allowance, many pensioners opt to keep their heating off unless temperatures drop below freezing.
Low household temperatures carry many risks. Age UK advise that cold temperatures can create increased risk of:
- Hypothermia: A medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature drops too low.
- Falls: Older people are more likely to fall on icy or snowy surfaces, or inside the home if they're unsteady on their feet.
- Frostbite: Freezing can cause injury.
- Heart attack or stroke: When the body gets cold, blood can thicken and increase blood pressure, which can lead to life-threatening incidents.
- Arthritis: Cold weather can make arthritis worse, which can increase the risk of accidents.
- Mental health: The shorter days and less social interaction of winter can lead to loneliness and isolation, which can cause or worsen mental health conditions.
- Dehydration: Encourage older people to drink fluids, such as water, cordial, or herbal tea.
In conjunction with Willington Village Hall, Right at Home are planning on running the “Winter Warm Space” events on a weekly basis (Friday's at 10am). As temperatures drop further and more people attend, it is planned that the event will move from the small meeting rooms to the larger main hall.
If you have any questions, please get in touch on: 01332 91 32 32
