Vouchers for free vitamin D supplements included in winter support packs
ALMOST 5,000 vulnerable households in St Helens received Winter Well packs last week, which will help provide additional information and support to protect against Covid-19, flu and other seasonal illnesses.
The packs – which have been put together by the council alongside partners including local pharmacies and the Halton and Knowsley Local Pharmaceuticals Committee – are filled with helpful items, including vouchers to receive free vitamin D supplements from select pharmacies. local, face masks, room thermometers, Z Cards with general information on how and when to seek help in the NHS and 2022 calendars.
They also contain a lot of useful information and tips on how to keep homes warmer, cheaper to heat, and other tips on how to stay well during the colder winter months.
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In addition, they provide contact details for grants and other supports that may be available to residents who may be struggling to keep their homes warm this winter, as well as mental health support.
The packs were mailed directly to 4,900 households in the district last week, all of which were identified as clinically vulnerable, living alone and in need of additional support.
Cllr Jeanie Bell, Member of the St Helens Council Cabinet for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: “Although we are unfortunately not able to host a real Winter Well event at Town Hall this year , we remain committed to ensuring that vulnerable households get the support they need at this time of year, especially with the additional challenges that the coronavirus now presents.
“We are delighted to be able to provide free Vitamin D coupons in this year’s packs as it will be an important asset in helping residents stay healthy.
“The calendars are also a great asset which, in addition to showcasing fantastic photographs of local landmarks, will also contain important information and support signs that residents can use to stay safe, warm and healthy this winter. ”
Ruth du Plessis, Director of Public Health at St Helens Council, added: “The threats to human health posed by Covid-19, influenza and other winter viruses are particularly strong this year, so we are delighted. to have been able to produce these packs. and give clinically vulnerable households in the district this vital additional support.
“We are especially excited to be able to provide free Vitamin D coupons to residents this year, as it can be of great help in helping you stay healthy when the colder weather prevents you from maintaining your natural vitamin levels from the sun.
“To ensure residents take safe amounts of the supplement, we are working with a number of local pharmacies who will provide expert advice and support to any resident looking to increase their vitamin D intake.”
