Cold weather advice
Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for older people, those with underlying health conditions, and young children. So please stay safe and check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, or members of the community who may be at risk, to see if they need extra help.
If you are unable to heat every room in your home or you are struggling with heating costs, public health advice is to heat the room you use the most during the day and bedrooms before going to sleep.
Some more helpful tips on heating your home and staying safe during the cold weather:
- Heat/warm yourself first by wearing several thin layers of clothing and ensure the room you are using the most is at least 18°C
- Dress warmly if you go outside and wear shoes with good grip as it’s getting icy
- Eat at least one warm meal a day, have regular warm drinks and stay active – this will keep your internal body temperature up
- Check on others, especially those who are on their own or at higher risk
- Stay safe while warming your home, don't use naked flames, ovens or barbeques to light or heat your home as they create a risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning
You can find more helpful winter wellness information here
Warm spaces
Our libraries are acting as Warm Havens this Winter.
Whether you are looking for a place to relax and stay warm, take part in activities, or simply borrow a book, our libraries are here for you.
What you can expect at our Warm Havens:
- Enjoy a warm, welcoming space to escape the cold and a hot drink.
- Participate in activities designed for all ages, including parent and toddler sessions, coffee mornings, code clubs, digital skills sessions, chess, knitting and lot’s more.
- Use public computers and free Wi-Fi for job searches, staying connected with loved ones and much more.
- Borrow books and resources to read at your leisure.
- East Ham library is also offering free, bookable study space. For more information email CN.Eastham@newham.gov.uk.
- View our library opening times
Support for Newham’s rough sleepers
During the cold weather period, we are providing emergency night shelter and enhanced outreach work to identify and assist rough sleepers.
Our outreach teams are around the borough identifying rough sleepers and providing them with accommodation and support.
If you are concerned about someone who is rough sleeping and medical attention is not immediately required, you can make a referral to StreetLink through their website. Once your referral is received by StreetLink they will alert our outreach team who will seek to find the rough sleeper and connect them to support services within 24hours. If you feel comfortable to speak to the individual, please do encourage them to ring Streetink themselves using 0300 500 0914 between 9am – 9pm. All self-referrals will be contacted within four hours. The phone line is open every day. If the person needs urgent medical attention or you believe they are under 18 years of age, please call 999.
Emergency night shelters are currently available to rough sleepers from 7pm until the next morning. They are available at various sites, on rotation, until March 2025. Immediate off the street temporary provision with intensive assessment is available, as well as support to move on into suitable pathways or alternative accommodation.
In addition to this, Newham Council operates a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation to rough sleepers to prevent deaths on the streets caused by extreme weather conditions. The SWEP is activated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) when the Met Office predicts one night of temperatures below zero degrees anywhere in London. The shelter will be led by Newham and our commissioned Integrated Rough Sleeper Service, Change Grow Live.
This year and for the fourth time, Newham will host ‘Crisis’ Charity in the Borough to provide off the streets accommodation from 22 Dec to 6 January 2025 for those who may sleep rough. We will also be collaborating once again with the Voluntary and Community Faith Sector to provide accommodation, Christmas meals and various other support to those who may sleep rough.
You can find more information via our helpful rough sleeping FAQs
What we do in icy weather
Find out about how we help keep roads safe in winter on our road gritting page.
Winter weather advice
Met Office advice on getting ready for winter including looking after your health, protecting your home and precautions to take when travelling during the winter.
Heavy rain and flooding
Get advice on what to do during a flood
Severe weather advice
Severe Weather advice from the Met Office
For more information on how to stay well this winter, visit www.wellnewham.org.uk/advice/winter-wellness
