HOMEOWNERS are being urged to take care of each other during the colder months and take action to reduce illness and loneliness.

Gloucestershire County Council is asking people to keep warm, keep well and keep safe this winter by offering free advice.

Through keeping homes warm to ward off the cold, residents can help fight some illnesses which are made worse by the cold and damp.

Rising energy costs can make this difficult for some, which is why the county council and Stroud District Council have joined together to offer information on keeping homes heated via the Warm and Well advice line on 0800 500 3076.

A team of trained energy advisors are on hand to give advice about simple measures to keep homes warm and how to access grants to make energy efficiency improvements.

Visit www.warmandwell.co.uk or text WARM to 83010 for more information.

In addition people most at risk of contracting the flu are being encouraged to get vaccinated to keep well.

Those at a high risk are people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, those with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, children with diabetes and adults with weakened immune systems.

Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for older people, said: “When the weather gets colder many older and vulnerable people need a bit of extra support to stay warm and well.

“I’d like to encourage those with elderly relatives, or older or vulnerable people living nearby to make sure they’re ok.”

“It’ll only take a few minutes to pop around, but that few minutes could make a huge difference to their wellbeing.”

Signposting to services helping communities keep warm, well and safe is available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/warmandwell