Thermal Clothing Packs Distributed to District’s Vulnerable as Cold Weather Sets In

Newry, Mourne and Down Age Friendly Partnership, supported by the Public Health Agency, will be providing vulnerable people from across the district with thermal clothing packs to help them keep warm this winter.

The Thermal Clothing scheme aims to provide support to those most at risk, who are unable to adequately heat their homes, including older people and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, which are intensified in cold weather. Wearing warm clothes is vital to helping protect against the effects of the cold for people living in fuel poverty.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Oonagh Magennis said, “With the cold weather upon us and temperatures being ever changeable, it is very important that vulnerable people are given the means to help them keep warm this winter. The Age Friendly Partnership is working with local community, voluntary and statutory partners to reach people who are at greater risk of cold related illness. These organisations are essential in supporting the delivery of warm clothing to those who need it most, and I want to thank them for the work that they do.”

Cllr Magennis continued, “It is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first instance - prevention is always easier than cure. Please make sure to look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk during the cold weather – especially the elderly and those who are ill.”

The Age Friendly Partnership team have lots of simple tips for keeping warm, such as having regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day; wearing several light layers of warm clothes and using a blanket or shawl to keep warm when sitting down or resting. It is also important to keep bedrooms and living rooms warm, between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade and it helps to keep active throughout the day by moving around at least once an hour.  Avoid going outside if possible but when you do, wear appropriate outdoor footwear and clothing, and take your mobile phone.

‘Keep Warm’ packs will be distributed regionally over the coming weeks, where they will be given to those most in need as the cold weather sets in. For further information, please contact the Age Friendly Co Ordinator, Lorraine O’Reilly on 0771 191 944 or email lorraine.oreilly@nmandd.org.