A new information campaign to support older people to keep well this winter has launched. The Keeping Well this Winter film and talking tips guide have been developed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and partners as training resources for frontline staff and volunteers who have direct contact with older residents. The campaign resources include:
- A short film made by older people with tips on opening up a positive conversations on the doorstep or over the phone
- A talking tips two page guide listing six questions from the film with signposting info to support conversations with older people
- A booklet of tips and advice on keeping physically well and maintaining good mental health. 140,000 printed copies are to be distributed across Greater Manchester
- Further information and resources on the internet
The booklet is aimed particularly at reaching older people who are not online and it follows the success of an earlier publication during the first wave of Covid-19.
The earlier booklet has been highlighted as good practice by the World Health Organization.
A survey of those who received it showed 92% found the information helpful and 90% said it had helped them to stay healthy.
Feedback from users and older people’s groups has helped to refine suggest additional content for the new booklet.
The campaign includes advice on:
- how to stay safe from Covid-19
- getting a flu vaccination
- a series of strength and balance exercises to do at home
- how to maintain a healthy mind
- healthy eating
- fire safety at home
- how to apply for pension credit
- how to avoid scams
The project is being led by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, with Greater Manchester’s councils, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, the University of Manchester, housing providers, local charities and older people’s groups.
The booklet, film and talking tips guide are available here