Who's most at risk from cold weather?

Cold weather can make anyone unwell: 

• It causes heart attacks, strokes, respiratory illnesses, falls, injuries, and hypothermia
• It can also disrupt health and care services.
• Cold homes are linked with poor mental health and social isolation.

Evidence shows that some people are more at risk, including:

• People aged 65 and above
• Babies and young children, particularly under the age of 5
• People with long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or people with a mental health condition
• Pregnant women
• People with learning disabilities
• People at risk of falls
• People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
• People who are housebound or have low mobility
• People living in deprived circumstances
• People experiencing homelessness or people sleeping rough
• People with Co-Occurring Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug use conditions

These groups are more at risk because of:

• Their age or medical conditions
• Infectious diseases that are circulating, particularly flu and norovirus
• Their ability to look after themselves
• Housing and economic factors - Poor quality housing and particularly cold homes

If you are concerned about someone’s welfare, you can:

• Call 999 if you believe they are in immediate danger
• Report a concern about an adult
• Report a concern about a child