One of the most effective ways to keep yourself well during winter is to stay warm. Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, pneumonia and depression.

Dr Tim Spicer, Chair of Hammersmith and Fulham Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Cold homes have a significant impact on your health, so it is important to keep your home warm as well as your body. As temperatures continue to drop it is vital we all look after ourselves and our families in the right ways.”

The chances of becoming unwell over this period are higher if you’re vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:

• You’re over 65
• You’re on a low income and can’t afford heating
• You have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
• You are disabled

For related advice, information on winter grants and the Keep warm, keep well leaflet click here.

The Charity Commission has issued new templates to help non-company charities with incomes of less than £500,000 prepare their trustees’ annual report and accruals accounts.

For further information please click here

‘A guide to all the health services available in Hammersmith & Fulham can be picked up free of charge at local libraries, GPs, pharmacies, community centres and voluntary organisations across the borough.

Stay well: Your guide to local health services in Hammersmith & Fulham  is packed full of tips on how to stay well, take care of yourself and your family, and make the most of local NHS services.

It also includes useful health information such as how patients can get a GP appointment when their own GP surgery is closed, who is eligible for a free flu vaccine, how much alcohol is safe to drink, what painkillers are safe for children, the early signs of dementia, and much more.

The booklet also has full colour maps showing where walk-in centres, urgent care centres and hospitals are located across North West London.

Dr Tim Spicer, chair of Hammersmith & Fulham CCG, said: “Patients and members of the public often ask us to provide a guide to local services which advises them where to go and what to do if they need medical help outside of normal surgery hours. This guide explains the different services that are available, where they’re located and when they’re open. It also reminds people to visit their local pharmacy to ask for advice at the first signs of illness and that they can get a weekend or evening appointment with a doctor by phoning NHS 111.”

You can also find a download of the guide here.