Safety Advice

Winter can bring challenges that impact both physical and mental well-being. Shorter days and colder weather may lead to lower energy levels, disrupted sleep, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight. The cold can make chronic health conditions worse, such as arthritis, and increase the risk of illness. 
Here are some things you can do to look after your wellbeing during the winter months: 

• Maintain a balanced diet 
• Stay active indoors when outside conditions are harsh 
• Prioritise regular sleep 
• Exposure to natural light, even just a few minutes outside on sunny days, can also help improve mood and regulate your internal clock 
• Stay socially connected can help combat feelings of isolation 
• Embrace cosy winter habits that promote relaxation, like warm baths, reading, making warm drinks, or meditation 

You can find more tips on how to support your wellbeing at: Looking after your wellbeing | Well Newham 

If you are struggling, there is always someone you can talk to at Samaritans, you can call 116 123 for free.

Surviving The Cost of Living Crisis
Families across the nation face challenging times with pressure of the increase in cost of living and life becoming more expensive. If you are struggling to keep on top with the rising cost of living, there is a range of support available for Newham residents experiencing financial difficulties, struggling to buy food and facing homelessness, and helping residents with finding work. For more information visit: https://www.newham.gov.uk/costoflivingresponse

Drink Responsibly & Be Responsible
Alcohol is the most common used drug in drink spiking incidents. Remember to keep safe and drink responsibly.
Here are some tips on do’s and don’ts when drinking alcohol: Do keep with a safe circle of friends

• Do be vigilant and aware of your surroundings
• Do keep your family and friends informed of your whereabouts
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don’t ignore suspicious activity
• Don’t drink alcohol in excess or feel pressured to drink

If you are worried about your own, or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, please contact contact Change Grow Live Newham Rise on 0800 652 3879 or visit www.changegrowlive.org/rise-newham

Secure Your Safety
Crimes of all sorts can have significant impacts on lives of the victims, witnesses and communities in many different ways.

• Report all crimes/offences witnessed or experienced
• Keep away from secluded areas and try walking in well-lit populated areas
• Keep valuables and possessions hidden from sight
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings
• Maintain a safe distance from others where possible

You can use the StreetSafe reporting service on the Met Police website at www.met.police.uk (This is not a service for reporting crime and incidents.) If you would like to report a crime, please call 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies. You can also report online through the Met Police website.

Better Safe Than Sorry
Due to the increased cost of living, you may have had to change the way you heat your home. Open fires and woodburning stoves can be a cost-effective way of
heating your home, however it is paramount you follow safety guidance:

• Always use a fire guard with an open fire to protect against flying sparks from hot embers. Make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed.
• Use the correct fuel for your fire burning household waste or material such as treated wood can cause toxic fumes in the home and is a fire risk.

When using portable heaters, always read the instructions and understand how to use appliances safely, checking they’re in good working order.

Ensure you protect your home with smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. You are around nine times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you do not have any working smoke alarms. A fire can destroy sentimental and material possessions and have a devastating impact on people.

For more safety advice on keeping yourself and loved one’s safe check out the advice on the London Fire Brigade website at www.london- fire.gov.uk/safety/

For general enquiries and non-emergency assistance, you can contact the LFB switchboard on 020 8555 1200. You can book a free home safety visit with the London Fire Brigade online at:
www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit/

Stop Violence & Abuse
Unfortunately, violence and abuse is rife amongst communities across the nation and much of these are hidden and not reported. Did you know...

• Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It includes any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse.
• Abuse and violence are a violation of your human rights.
• Most women experience physical abuse in their lifetime.
• Domestic abuse and violence can affect ANYONE.

Hestia is a partner of Newham Council who provide support adults and children in times of crisis including modern slavery, domestic abuse, women who are sexually exploited and FGM survivors.

If you would like to report concerns of abuse and violence in Newham then please contact Hestia on 0808 196 1482 or email: InfoNewham.DSV@hestia.org where a professional support worker can be contacted for free and confidential support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

You can report concerns of violence and abuse to the police by contacting them on 999 for emergencies and 101 for non- emergencies. You can also report online via the Met Police website at www.met.police.uk