Get ready for winter

HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD

thank you for sparing a few moments to read trafford Partnership’s winter newsletter, full of top-tips and useful information to keep you safe, warm and healthy this winter.

We have published this newsletter to provide information to help you through

the winter months, and also how we can all look out for our elderly and vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours. Throughout the year I see residents and communities coming together to support each other, especially those living in challenging circumstances. Trafford’s community spirit is one of our greatest strengths. For some people in Trafford, the winter weather, even if it is mild, poses considerable challenges, and serious risks. So please, don’t wait for heavy snow, knock-on today and check they’re okay.

On behalf of the Trafford Partnership, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, but more importantly, a safe, warm and healthy New Year.

Councillor Sean anstee Leader of Trafford Council and Chair of Trafford PartnershipThe Trafford Partnership brings together organisations from across the public, private, voluntary, faith and community sectors and local residents to achieve a common vision, for Trafford to be a place where our residents achieve their aspirations, and our communities are thriving.

winter is a time when everyone needs to take care of their health, but vulnerable people in the community in particular are at risk of illness and injuries. often, these are preventable by following some simple health and wellbeing advice.

• Contact your GP for a flu jab if you are 65 years or over; under 65 years in an ‘at risk’ group or are pregnant.

• Contact your GP or pharmacist if you think that you, or someone you care for, might qualify for a free flu jab.

• Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out.

• Reduce slip, trip and fall risks by removing things like loose rugs, and if you have difficulty walking, avoid going outside if it is icy or snowy. Also wear good-fitting slippers with a good grip indoors and shoes with a good grip outside.

• Keep your living room heated to 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) and the rest of your house heated to 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit).

• Wear several light layers indoors to keep warm.

• Eat healthy carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes, have hot drinks and food to keep warm and keep cupboards and freezers stocked with basic food items.

• Gentle exercise such as housework or a walk to the shops will help keep you warm and can also lift your mood.

• Keep an eye on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours and offer help if you think they need it.

trafford Council and its partners have again teamed up with voluntary organisations to offer practical help, information and advice to older and vulnerable residents this winter.

The project will offer:

• Information on staying healthy, safe and warm in winter

• Practical packs with essential items to keep vulnerable people warm such as hot water bottles, soups, socks and hats

• Support to get minor boiler repairs, purchase fuel vouchers or access to food banks

• Loan of heaters until heating repairs can be carried out

• Telecare winter chill packs which include temperature extreme sensors, flood, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Tel: 0161 848 2405, text: 07825 559 322 or email: whhp.traffordcarerscentre@gmail.com

The telephone line will be open: 9.00am - 8.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am - 4.30pm Friday until March 31st 2015.

If you would like to volunteer your help for the project please contact the advice line.

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Message from the chair

warm homes, healthy people

winter wellbeing tips

trafford residents are being reminded to ensure they choose the right care, at the right time and at the right place this winter to ease pressure on local health services.

Within Trafford there are a number of community services which support your care. Trafford Provider Services provide a range of community nursing and healthcare therapy services which you can access through your GP.

when it’s not an emergency• Look after yourself. Problems such as

vomiting, diarrhoea and tickly coughs can be treated at home.

• Keep a supply of over the counter products such as painkillers and antiseptic at home.

• Drink lots of fluids if you are feeling unwell.

• Get plenty of rest

• Speak to your pharmacist for further advice and tips.

when you need to see a doctor or health professionalPharmacists can provide advice and offer over the counter treatment for colds and flu; stomach upsets; sore throats; cold sores and injuries resulting from minor slips, trips and falls. They can also offer advice regarding how long symptoms may last. Many pharmacies

have extended opening hours and you do not need to make an appointment.

dentists can provide advice and offer treatment for toothache and lost fillings. Contact your dentist if you need emergency treatment.

opticians can provide advice and offer treatment for eye conditions such as conjunctivitis and dry eye.

your GP surgery can help if you have a persistent cough, severe headaches, earache, backache, sprains or minor injuries. Visit www.nhs.uk for details of surgeries local to you. You can still phone your GP surgery when it is closed, and you will be directed to an out-of-hours service who can arrange for you to see a doctor or nurse if needed.

if you have an urgent health problem you can call NHS 111 for free help and advice in assessing the right service to help you quickly, or if you need reassurance about what to do next.

You can also access trafford walk-in Centre (next to Trafford General Hospital’s out-patient department) for treatment of minor ailments. It is staffed by GPs and nurses and is open 8.00am – 8.00pm every day.

The Minor injuries Unit, based at the rear of Altrincham General Hospital, is staffed by experienced emergency nurse practitioners who can assess and treat a wide range of minor injuries.

It is open 8.00am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 6.00pm weekends and Bank Holidays and is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

when it iS an emergency and serioustrafford Urgent Care Centre (based at Trafford General Hospital) is staffed by A&E consultant doctors and nurses. It provides a service for adults and children who require urgent treatment, care and support. It is open every day from 8.00am – midnight.

for life-threatening injuries and conditions you should call 999 or go to the nearest a&e department: Manchester Royal Infirmary (adults); Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (children), Salford Royal Hospital and University Hospital South Manchester (Wythenshawe).

If a person’s mental or emotional health quickly worsens it can be treated as a mental health emergency. It is important to get help as soon as possible. Call your GP or NHS 111 for further support and advice.

Remember that A&E and 999 ambulance services should only be used in a critical or life threatening situation. If you access emergency services inappropriately, you may be turned away and directed to another NHS service.

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telecare provides solutions for vulnerable trafford residents aged 18 or over with a disability or difficulties associated with illness or age.

It helps manage different situations at home, by linking sensors to the telephone network and alerting a control centre, carer or neighbour when help is needed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It can be purchased privately or through an Adult Social Services assessment. While the equipment is loaned and maintened by the Council for free, there may be a small weekly charge for services following assessment.

Especially important during winter is the early warning of extreme low or high household temperatures provided by the temperature extreme sensor. This could protect the occupier against hypothermia, burst pipes or potential fire hazards, or from suffering smoke inhalation. Often people are more worried about falling or accidents in winter, so Telecare reassurance can make a real difference. Telecare detectors and sensors also raise alerts if someone has fallen, or hasn’t managed to get in or out of bed safely, warn if someone with dementia wanders out of range of the property and pick up early signs

of epileptic seizures or continence problems.

Trafford Council currently have a Telecare Pledge in partnership with Age UK Trafford, THT and LMCP care link which offers Telecare to anyone 80years + free for one year. This means that not only is the equipment loaned for free, as in the main Telecare programme, but there is also no charge for the monitoring and response service.

For more information please visit our website www.trafford.gov.uk/myway email traffordtelecare@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0300 777 7777.

right care, right time, right place

telecare

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in the homeRemember that in winter it can go dark in the early afternoon. Leaving your home in darkness alerts an opportunist thief that there is no-one home. Don’t wait until it’s too late to improve your home security.

• Make your home look occupied when you are out or away on holiday by using an automatic timer. These are reasonably priced and can switch on lights and radios.

• Ensure you lock all windows and doors even when you are at home. Burglars are on the lookout for properties left insecure throughout the year, but especially at Christmas when there are presents under the tree. Never leave your keys in, or near a door or window – Some thieves have been known to break the glass or use a cane type device to steal them. Keep them out of sight and in a safe place.

• Always remember to activate your house alarm when you go out and at night when you go to bed.

• Keep your valuables out of sight of windows. Make them traceable using UV pens or consider specialist liquid forensic coded solutions. New bike, TV, phone or computer for Christmas? Register it on www.immobilise.com. On Christmas Day think carefully about the boxes you leave outside, as it advertises to thieves what’s inside your home. Take packaging to your local recycling centre.

don’t forget about your gardenUse garden lighting to deter trespassers, with lights that come on automatically at dusk and stay on until dawn. Low wattage economy bulbs are very efficient and can cost less than 1p per night in electricity.

Ensure that gates giving access to the rear of your house are locked. Secure garden tools and furniture to prevent them being used to gain entry into your home and consider installing a shed alarm to help protect valuable items. Always use good quality locks to secure pedal cycles to something fixed or bulky whilst in the shed.

when you’re out and aboutMake sure you’re the one taking the Christmas shopping home. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving items visible in your car, even if the item is not of value your window replacements and locks can be. Take your Christmas shopping, mobile phones, satellite navigation and laptops with you and check the vehicle is locked before walking away. When shopping, keep your bags closed to protect the contents. Never leave valuables unattended on top of a shopping trolley, pram or on a table.

Keep yourself and your property safe from fireWhen using candles make sure the candle is standing up straight and is firmly fixed in a proper holder so it can’t fall over, and always place on a heat resistant service. Keep candles out of draughts, blowing curtains and other sources of heat or direct sunlight. Switch off electrical sockets when not in use and never be tempted to overload sockets. Remember, drinking alcohol increases your risk of having a fire and reduces your ability to respond in an emergency situation. Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix – celebrate safely during the festive season.

Stay safe on nights outIf you are out in the evenings, make sure your journey home is planned, pace your drinks and stick with friends to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time. Alcohol makes you vulnerable and reduces your inhibitions. Christmas and New Year should be a time for everyone to enjoy, have fun and stay safe.

For more information visit www.gmp.police.uk

Keep off the iceVenturing onto frozen ponds, reservoirs, lakes and canals is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to fatalities. It might be tempting to walk or play on the frozen water, but the ice can easily break and the temperature of the water is cold enough to take your breath away. This can cause you to panic and drown.

The coldness can also make your arms and legs numb, meaning you can’t control them and therefore, unable to swim. It can lead to hypothermia and heart failure – this can happen to even the strongest swimmers. If you see someone in trouble on the ice, call 999 immediately.

For more information visit www.safe4winter.com

For free home safety advice telephone 0800 555 815or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk

For free home safety advice telephone 0800 555 815or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk

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Advert-Safe4Winter-200x48mm.pdf 1 16/10/2013 11:31

Keep you and your property safe and secure

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Stay cosy and save money all year round, for years to come.

If you are a home owner or live in private rented accommodation, you may be entitled to energy efficiency improvements under the Council’s “Little Bill” scheme, run in partnership with the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service. Up to forty Little Bill energy saving improvements are available to help you tackle rising fuel bills. You may also get funding! Apply in time for the cold weather - some offers are time limited so apply now. Offers include:

• Up to £7,000 funding (£6,000 for solid wall insulation + other offer)

• Up to £12,000 discount – just 30 homes in ‘Little Bill Community’ areas could become a ‘show home’. When installing energy saving home improvements these ‘community champions’ can demonstrate the benefits of becoming an ‘eco’ home.

Which improvements you can make will depend on where you live and the type of home you live in.

Offers are subject to availability, survey, terms and conditions. A home assessment payment is required to thoroughly survey each home (which is refunded when installing any of the energy saving measures). Offers in ‘Little Bill Communities’ are determined by postcode, supplied by your local Council.

To apply, please call Greater Manchester Energy Advice on 0800 009 3363 or visit www.gmenergyadvice.co.uk

although we have recently had mild winters, it’s worth preparing your home for a cold winter.

In order to have a problem-free winter with your property, there are some things you need to do:

Keep the heat on

It is vitally important to keep your home warm during a very cold snap. We recommend setting your timer to constant 24 hours and use your thermostat to maintain some warmth through the night or when you are out for long periods. The expense of damage and disturbance due to burst pipes could be more than your heating bill.

Get to know your stop taps

Know where your stop taps and valves are located – you’ll need to turn them off quickly if there’s a burst. Check regularly that they’re working. The main stop tap is often found under the kitchen sink.

draining down

During a really frosty period, or if you’re going away and leaving your property empty, isolate and drain down external pipework, outside taps and exposed plumbing.

dealing with frozen pipesfreeze

Damage to pipes occurs when they become frozen but you’re only going to notice when the water in the pipe thaws. So, if a pipe is frozen, isolate the affected area by closing your stop tap.

Start running

When your pipes begin to thaw, run your taps into the sink basin and baths to drain the plumbing system. This should reduce damage caused by water escaping from a burst pipe

warning

After freezing has occurred in pipes there’s a risk of a burst if heat is applied suddenly. Don’t switch on water heating appliances including boilers and immersion heaters until you’re sure the system has thawed out. Reheat the building using gas, solid fuel and electric heaters that are unconnected with the plumbing or central heating system. Don’t try to thaw pipes using a naked flame. A hairdryer can be used to direct heat onto frozen pipes, but take care, the pipes may burst as it thaws and spray water. Thaw the pipe at the end nearest the tap first.

resuming normal service

Check the plumbing system for leaks once it’s under pressure and, only when you’re satisfied that all systems are thawed, switch off water heating appliances. If you notice a leak, isolate the affected pipe by closing the stop tap then take action to repair the leak, or call your landlord.

eMerGenCy ContaCtIf you smell gas or detect a gas leak call the National Gas Emergency service on 0800 111 999

Keeping your home warm this winter

turn your big bill into a ‘little bill’

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Safe winter driving

driving in the winter is very different than driving during other times of the year. adverse weather and longer periods of darkness makes driving more hazardous. in very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.

A single journey may take us into very different weather, road and traffic conditions, so you need to be prepared for each one. This means that you need to adapt the way you drive to the conditions.

Prepare your vehicle It’s a good idea to have your vehicle fully serviced before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested. If you can’t have it serviced, then do your own checks. In particular, check:

• The lights are clean and working.

• The battery is fully charged.

• Windscreen, wiper blades and other windows are clean and the washer bottle filled with screen wash.

• Tyre condition, tread depth and pressure (of all the tyres, including the spare).

• The brakes are working well.

• Fluids are kept topped up, especially windscreen wash (to the correct concentration to prevent it freezing), anti-freeze and oil.

It’s also a good idea to stock up on de-icer, windscreen wash, oil and anti-freeze at the start of winter.

emergency Kit When extreme weather is possible, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight, due to a snow storm or floods. How would you stay warm? What would you eat and drink? If you must drive in these conditions, we recommend that you carry:

Prepare your journey Listen to local and national weather broadcasts and travel bulletins, especially for the areas you will be driving through. Conditions can change rapidly so check them regularly and be prepared to change your plans if conditions on your route worsen. If you decide you really must travel:

• Let someone know where you are going and what time you hope to arrive, so that they can raise the alarm if you get into difficulties.

• Plan alternative routes in case your main choice(s) becomes impassable.

• Keep your fuel tank near to full to ensure that you do not run out.

• Make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone, so you can call for help

or alert someone if you’re delayed – it could be a long walk to a phone, if you don’t have a personal mobile.

• If you don’t have an emergency kit in your vehicle, at least take extra warm clothes, boots and a torch. Consider keeping a couple of long-life energy bars in the glove box.

• Clear your windows and mirrors completely of snow and ice before you set off (make sure the heater is blowing warm air before setting off, it will keep your windscreen clear).

Further information can be found on The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website, www.rospa.com

• Tow rope. • A shovel.• Wellington boots. • A hazard warning

triangle. • De-icing

equipment. • First aid kit (in

good order).

• A working torch. • A car blanket. • Warm clothes. • Emergency

rations. (including a non-alcoholic hot drink in a flask).

• Mobile phone (fully charged).

residents and commuters travelling through trafford can be reassured that the Council is once again fully prepared for any cold spells this winter.

The Council is responsible for maintaining more than 500 miles of road in Trafford and, during periods of snow and ice, priority is given to main roads and bus routes, which accounts for nearly 170 miles of those roads.

Operational staff provide the 24/7 standby service that keeps the borough’s roads as safe as possible during icy weather. The on-call service started in October and will continue until April next year.

Quad bikes and hand-gritting teams are ready to respond to any extreme ice or snow by making pedestrians safer and helping businesses stay open in town centres. Snow ploughs are also ready to be deployed in the case of prolonged periods of snowfall.

For full details of our winter gritting plans, including how to purchase salt and follow Trafford’s gritters live online, please visit: www.trafford.gov.uk/gritting email winter.gritting@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 5577.

Gritting teams ready for winter

there are a range of organisations that can provide information and advice to local residents:

trafford CouncilTo find information about Council services visit www.trafford.gov.uk where you can also ‘Apply for It’, ‘Book It’, ‘Pay for It’, ‘Request It’ and ‘Say It’.

If you cannot find the information you require on the website, access trafford provides information on services such as council tax and benefits, waste and recycling, pest control, highways, blue badges and free school meals. Email access.trafford@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 2000. Lines are open from 8.00am- 7.00pm Monday to Friday.

family information Service has a wide range of information and advice for mums, dads, grandparents, carers, young people and practitioners supporting families. Visit www.trafforddirectory.co.uk or telephone 0161 912 1053. Lines are open 8.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday.

The Benefits advice team are specialist welfare rights advisors who provide a comprehensive advice service on the whole range of benefits provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Local Authority. Email welfare.rights@trafford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 2735. Lines are open 9.30am-12.30pm Monday to Thursday.

trafford assist is Trafford’s Local Welfare Assistance scheme designed to help residents:• Meet immediate short-term needs

in an emergency or as a result of a disaster

• Return to or remain in the community and help them live independently in their own home

To apply for an award, simply complete the online application form at: www.trafford.gov.uk/traffordassist

Or telephone the Citizens advice trafford assist helpline on:• 0844 332 9003 from a landline

(charged to the caller at BT local rate approx. 5p/min)

• 0300 330 5467 from a mobile (free if available minutes, or normal rate if not)

Lines are open from 10.00am-4.00pm Monday to Friday

trafford advice Partnership is made up of information and advice providers within the borough, including Citizens Advice Trafford, Trafford Centre for Independent Living, Age UK Trafford and Trafford Carers Centre, and aims to make accessing information and advice easier for people. For up-to-date information, events and services follow us on Twitter @TAP_Trafford.

We have opened two webcam centres where clients are able to access an advisor via webcam, located within Old Trafford and Urmston Libraries, open 10.00am-2.00pm Tuesday to Thursday.

Citizens advice trafford helps people resolve their problems including legal, money, employment, housing and immigration by providing information and advice.

To find out more visit www.traffordcab.org.uk or telephone:

• Landline: 0844 499 4103 (Call charges to 0844 number are charged at 5p per minute from a BT landline).

• Mobile: 0300 456 2568 (When calling from a mobile using the 0300 all charges are at your mobile provider’s standard rate or inclusive free minutes).

Advisers are happy to call you back on request if the call charges are a problem. Lines are open 10.00am-4.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

age UK trafford provides essential services for older people throughout the borough. They also offer general information and advice on a range of subjects for older people in Trafford. They can also give support on pension age benefits.

To find out more please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/trafford or email admin@ageuktrafford.org.uk or telephone:

• 0161 746 3940 for Info and Advice. Lines are open 9.30am-3.00pm Monday to Thursday

The line has voicemail and messages will be responded to. In addition, out of hours the Info and Advice line diverts to the national Age UK line 0800 169 6565.

trafford Centre for independent Living offers information, advocacy, brokerage and a range of services for disabled people, as well as their families, parents, carers, and other organisations.

To find out more please visit www.traffordcil.co.uk or email hello@traffordcil.co.uk or telephone 0161 850 0645. Lines are open 8.00am-4.00pm Monday to Friday.

trafford Carers Centre supports unpaid carers looking after someone who lives in the Trafford area. The majority of services are free, and everything you say will be kept in confidence.

To find out more please visit: www.traffordcarerscentre.org.uk or email: info@traffordcarerscentre.org.uk or telephone 0161 848 2400. Lines are open 9.00am-8.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am-4.30pm Friday

Housing options Service trafford offers advice and assistance on housing and housing related issues. The service is free, impartial and confidential. Interviews are conducted in private interview rooms and where necessary a same sex officer will be available to offer advice. They are able to offer interpreters, signers and a mini-com service.

To find out more visit www.trafford.gov.uk/host or email host@salford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 912 2230. Lines are open 8.30am-5.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 1.00pm-5.00pm Wednesday.

If you become homeless outside of these hours contact the Emergency Duty Team by telephoning 0161 794 8888.

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where to get information and advice

trafford Partnership Contactswww.traffordpartnership.org email: partnershipsteam@trafford.gov.uk tel: 0161 912 1173www.twitter.com/TPAction

Warm Homes,

Healthy People Free practical support to keep warm and healthy

this winter for people living in Trafford

Adviceline:

0161 848 2405 9am - 8pm Monday - Thursday

9am - 4.30pm Friday

Text: 07825 559 322 Email: whhp.traffordcarerscentre@gmail.com

The helpline will be open until March 31st 2015

In partnership with:

Indian Senior Citizens Centre

HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD