A booklet giving crucial advice to older people on how to keep warm and well this winter is now available in Harold.

It is aimed to provide a lifeline to senior citizens who often find the winter months a battle to survive.

The booklet is called Keep Well, Keep Warm.

It is full of practical ideas, suggestions and information to help older people prepare for the winter.

The booklet has been produced by Barking and Havering Health Authority.

Sue Osborn and Susan Williams, Joint Chief Executive of the authority, say: "This is a great little booklet.

"Conserving heat, keeping out drafts, eating properly and exercise are all ways to help you keep warm and well this winter.

"There's lots of information about keeping healthy, what to do if you feel ill and how to get financial help to help towards keeping your home warmer.

"There is also important news about the winter fuel payments that people over the age of 60 are entitled to."

A winter warmth advice line is also now in operation.

The freephone line operates Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm on 0800 085 7000.

An intrepreter is available. A minicom service is also available on 0800 085 7857.

Copies of the 'Keep Well, Keep Warm' booklet are available from GP surgeries and the Health Information Shop at the Clock House, East Street, Barkign.

The booklet is published in the following languages: Bengali, Cantonese, English, Greek, Gurarati, Hindi, Polish, Panjabi, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Copies are also available from the winter warmth advice line on 0800 085 7000.

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