The Stockport Review Extra Winter Special 2020

Stockport Council sent this bulletin at 17-12-2020 12:30 PM GMT
stockport council

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

safewarm and well

Coronavirus helpline for residents 0161-217-6046
111

Winter is fast approaching and with the risk of coronavirus still present, it's important that we take extra care to stay safe, warm, and well in Stockport this year.

If you experience any of the three main symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss of your sense of smell or taste), it's important you stay at home and get a test as soon as possible. Other illnesses such as cold and flu have similar symptoms to coronavirus, so if you're not sure, stay at home and use NHS 111 online to get medical help and advice. If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone, call NHS 111 instead.

Following extensive trials, the first safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in the UK and is now available to priority groups. When it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation to come forward. This may be via the phone, or through a letter either from your GP or the national booking system. We know lots of people will be eager to get protected but we are asking people not to contact the NHS to get an appointment, as you will not be able to get one until you are contacted.

There are common winter ailments that will also be affecting residents in Stockport as they do every year. To help you stay well and to help our NHS colleagues manage the increasing pressures they face at this time of year, here are a few hints and tips to help you ‘Stay well this winter’.

Make sure your medicine cabinet has what you need to fend off ailments such as sore throats, sniffles, cuts, grazes, headaches and hangovers. Being proactive and taking sensible precautions will help relieve pressure from the NHS. 

It's best to contact your pharmacist in the first instance, so find your local pharmacy here. Remember, do not go to a pharmacy if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

If you or someone you care for requires medicine regularly, it’s important to make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time, to ensure you and your family have enough medicine to last over the festive period. Order and collect these early, ahead of the Christmas and New Year weekends and bank holidays when some GP practices and pharmacies will be closed.

There’s also lots of mental health support for those who may be spending Christmas alone this year. We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people, as it’s a time when loneliness can really hit home and that this might be heightened this year. You can find information on how to look after your mental health and find support here.

Find out more
Vaccine

Have you had your flu jab?

Last year, over 98,000 Stockport residents were vaccinated against the flu, the highest number ever recorded in the borough. It is important we continue vaccinating as many residents as possible who have the opportunity to have the vaccine.

Even if you had the vaccine last year, you still need to get a new one again this year. This is because the viruses that cause flu can change every year, so you need a vaccination that matches the new viruses each year. The vaccine usually provides protection for the duration of that year's flu season.

This year, those working in Health and Social Care are already dealing with Coronavirus pressures, so it’s key to avoid the flu as well as it can make you seriously ill.

Help to protect yourselves, patients and colleagues with one quick vaccination now.

Get your flu jab

Look after your home this winter

Be winter ready

As the nights get colder and darker, the chance of experiencing severe weather becomes more likely. It's important households are prepared for the winter. So...

Know your free emergency numbers

For a gas emergency, dial 0800 111999 or in a power cut dial 105.

Flooding dial 0345 988 1188

Prepare your home – keep a torch handy and get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register. Visit energynetworks.org to find out who your gas and electric network operator is.

Keep your eyes open – keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if you have a gas emergency or a power cut, check on your neighbours in a Covid safe way.

You can also contact Greater Manchester Fire Service by calling 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk 

Find out more

 
Pharmacy

Are you under the weather?

It's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter, as the cold weather can be seriously bad for your health.

If you start to feel unwell, even if it seems like 'just a cold', don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist - find the one near you.

Remember, do not go to a pharmacy if you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss of your sense of smell or taste). Stay at home and get a test.

Pharmacists are highly trained members of the NHS team and can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints.

Only a small number of pharmacies will be open across Stockport on the winter Bank Holidays.

Find out more

Neighbour

Look out for others

The coronavirus pandemic has seen Stockport’s communities come together to look after their neighbours and wider community. 

Check up on friends, relatives and your neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather in a way that is Covid safe.

It’s a particularly dangerous time of year for older people or people living with a serious illness so check up on them if you can.

Read the government's guidance for providing care for friends and family in a Covid safe way here. If you are caring for an older relative or neighbour, make sure they are keeping warm and well.

If they are worried about falling or have had a fall recently, they can be referred to the Steady in Stockport Falls Service by their GP or you can visit the Healthy Stockport website for more information on staying steady in the home.

Look out for signs of serious illness, such as drowsiness, slurred speech and the person not complaining of feeling cold even in a bitterly cold room. If you're worried, call their doctor or NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

If they seem just a little unwell please seek advice from your local pharmacist or NHS 111 and potentially prevent a minor illness from becoming a serious one.

Find out more

Useful Contacts

NHS 111 When you need urgent medical help but its not life threatening.

Stockport Without Abuse 0161 477 4294 Support, advice and accommodation to women and children that have been affected by domestic violence and abuse. Lines are staffed Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am - 4:30pm there is an answerphone outside of these hours.

Stockport Samaritans 0330 094 5717 or free on 116 123 Offers a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever is getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

Hopeline UK 0800 068 41 41 Confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Shelter 0808 800 4444 Helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. 

The Silver Line 0800 470 8090 Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The Wellspring 0161 477 6344 Provides services to homeless and disadvantaged people 365 days a year.

Drinkline 0300 123 1110. Free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.

Signpost for Carers 0161 442 0442 Provides support to unpaid Carers in Stockport.

MASSH (multi agency safeguarding & support hub) 0161 217 6028.

Stockport Adult Social Care 0161 217 6029

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service 0161 983 0902 Access to support if you have been bereaved or affected by a death.

The Prevention Alliance 0161 474 104 Works with people who live in Stockport who want to make changes but perhaps don’t know where to start, for example, improving independence, health and wellbeing.

Open Door 0161 549 9717 or 0800 138 7276 Support for individuals, their carers or professionals who are struggling to cope, feel low, anxious or distressed.

Emotional Wellbeing Hub 0161 217 6028 Provides emotional wellbeing and mental health information, advice and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 in Stockport.

You can find more information on how to look after your mental health and find support here.

For more information about staying safe, warm, and well this winter, as well as links to more services that are available, visit our webpages below.

Find out more