For people living in Royal Greenwich who are worried about staying warm, safe and well over the colder months, the Greenwich Together for Winter campaign can help signpost support. It provides information about help that's available for residents over wintertime in one place, making it easier to find and access. 

The council will continue to offer its Stay Warm Stay Safe service to residents who are over 60, caring for a young or vulnerable person or having problems paying their winter fuel bills. The scheme includes a free room thermometer, help and advice on keeping fuel bills down, a benefit check by the Welfare Rights Service, an energy efficiency assessment and health advice on staying active and healthy in the winter months. 

The council’s Greenwich Together for Winter campaign also makes sure that regular meals are provided for all children and young people within the borough during school holidays. Food is served at multiple locations across the borough, and there's no age limit for children. This means that nutritious meals are readily available and families whose children are eligible for free school meals continue to receive support outside of term-time. 

The initiative also signposts health and wellbeing information on staying well, boosting your immunity, staying active, eating well for less, and where to get health and medical support.  

Councillor Miranda Williams, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Social Care, said: “Supporting Royal Greenwich residents to stay safe and well is a priority over the winter. Not only is staying warm extremely important for people’s health, with more people gathering to celebrate festivities indoors, the chance of catching and spreading viruses like COVID-19 and flu dramatically increases.  

“The support and information provided by Greenwich Together for Winter will help residents look after themselves and their loved ones, but will also protect the NHS from becoming overwhelmed at this time of year.” 

Cllr Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Royal Borough of Greenwich is absolutely committed to making sure our children are able to eat healthy, good quality food the whole year round. 

“Christmas can be a time of even more financial stress for families, so we’re dedicated to spreading the word about the holiday meals that are available – because every child deserves nutritious meals that will help keep them healthy and well.  

“We will do our utmost to ensure that all families who need this support this winter will get it.” 

Information about all the services and support available as part of Greenwich Together for Winter can be found at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/togetherforwinter