Cheshire East Council has launched an essential guide for Sandbach  residents on how to look after their wellbeing this winter.

The booklet, produced in conjunction with council partners, is packed full of advice, information, and sources of support on how to keep warm, stay well and safe this winter.

And it comes as snow falls in the town following a miserable start to the year with heavy wind and rain.

Residents can find information within the booklet on the councils stay well squad and the free health and wellbeing checks that they carry for your body and mental health and wellbeing.

In addition to this the following also feature within the one-stop booklet:

• The latest news on Covid-19 and flu vaccines;
• How to tell the difference between Covid-19, the flu and a cold;
• What medicine cabinet essentials to stock up on this winter;
• How to stop the spread of winter bugs and viruses;
• General advice such as money tips, low-cost recipe ideas and ways to keep warm at home;
• Where to go for cost-of-living advice and support;
• Warm plaCEs – places locally to keep warm, access hot food and enjoy social activities in a supportive environment;
• And advice on how to look after your physical and mental health

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Many residents are struggling due to soaring energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis, this combined with potential ill health could make for a pretty miserable winter.

"We have produced this booklet as a complete guide for residents, so they have all the information they need to hand on how to look after their wellbeing, to not fall ill and stay well. There are simple tips such as staying hydrated, taking regular exercise and connecting with others which can make a big difference to your physical and mental health."

 Dr Matt Tyrer

Councillor Jill Rhodes, chair of Cheshire East Council's adults and health committee, said: "For those that need a little extra help this winter, there is lots of support available, and in addition to this booklet we'll be issuing further advice and information throughout the winter period.

"We urge residents to be aware of benefits that they could be entitled to and to take advantage, especially given many residents are finding this winter especially difficult due the increase in utility bills.

Cllr Jill Rhodes

"I'd also like to encourage residents to keep an eye on friends, family members and neighbours during the colder weather, as some people can find it quite isolating."

You can view or download the winter wellbeing booklet (PDF, 5MB) here.

For further winter wellbeing advice, you can visit our keeping well pages and scroll down to the winter wellbeing section.

Further information about winter-related benefits can be found on Cheshire East's stay warm page.