How you can help yourself and others ‘Stay Well this winter’: wellbeing champions making a difference

Empowering local people to ‘Stay Well this winter’ and be in control of their wellbeing is the central theme of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s campaign this year.

Winter wellbeing ‘everyday champions’ feature in the campaign, showcasing the important role we can all play in keeping our communities strong, healthy and well. This includes friends, family, volunteers, neighbours and local people with long-term health conditions working alongside the NHS to help share simple tips to ‘Stay Well this winter’.

There is guidance on:

• staying warm
• protecting your mental wellbeing
• eating well
• boosting your immunity
• staying connected
• staying active
• looking out for those around you

Our director of nursing, Aisling Crombie said:

“Last year healthcare professionals from across Cornwall Council Public Health, the NHS, and local health and wellbeing partners such as our Stay Well champions worked in partnership to develop the winter plan.

“For our 2025-26 winter campaign, we’re reaching out to our local communities asking them to share practical, easy to follow advice on how people can keep healthy, warm and well over the colder months.

“We’re also grateful to members of our long-term health conditions lived experience group who have created and featured in 5 Stay Well films. These films share tips on how to live well with diabetes, lung and heart conditions, helping empower people to take practical steps to look after their own health and wellbeing.”

Dr Tom Hackett, GP partner at Penryn Surgery said:

“Our communities play a vital role in helping local people stay healthy and well. Across Cornwall, a network of community hubs is offering support, connection and practical help that makes a real difference long before someone might need NHS care.

“Venues such as the Dracaena Centre in Falmouth are at the heart of this, providing a warm, welcoming space and year-round activities that keep people active, informed and supported.

“This kind of community strength works hand-in-hand with the NHS. When people feel connected and know where to turn for help, it prevents problems from escalating and supports better wellbeing for all.”

He added:

“There are also simple steps we can each take to protect our health, from staying home if you have flu or norovirus to stop the spread, to washing your hands, ensuring you have enough medication for the holiday period, and taking everyday actions to reduce respiratory infections. By combining strong community support with individual action, we can all play our part in staying well this winter.”

Winter wellness everyday champion and long-term conditions lived experience group member, Paul Sweet said:

“Living with diabetes means I need to look after myself, especially over the festive period. Being part of the group has helped me learn simple things that make a big difference, and I hope these films we made will help others stay well too.”

Clare Dawe is also a winter wellness everyday champion and long-term conditions lived experience group member, she said:

“Looking after your own health is important but so is keeping an eye on the people around you. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, especially at this time of year. So why not check in with a friend or neighbour, asking: ‘Have you been managing to get out and about?’, ‘Is there anything I can give you a hand with?’, ‘Or would you like some company for a cuppa?’.”

This year’s winter wellbeing champions are sharing advice and tips around 7 themes

1. Boost your immunity. Making sure those eligible are getting their winter vaccines including flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal and shingles.
2. Stay warm and well. Practical ways to keep you warm, from investing in a heated blanket, to finding local warm spaces and making the most of community hubs.
3. Protect your mental health. Keep connected with others through simple check-ins with friends and neighbours, routines and ideas to support emotional wellbeing during darker months.
4. Eat well. Affordable recipes, batch-cooking ideas, and small changes that help you stay nourished and energised.  
5. Get connected. Ways to maintain social connections, meet people locally and access community activities.
6. Stay active. Fun indoor and outdoor ideas for moving more when it’s cold or daylight hours are shorter.
7. Look out for others. Being a good neighbour, checking in on older people or those living alone, and signposting to support such as Age UK services and local befriending schemes.

What’s featured in the Stay Well campaign this winter?

• Five Stay Well films with long-term conditions tips. You can watch them on our YouTube channel.
• Social media campaign. Share new advice weekly from a range of everyday champions. Follow NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly on Facebook.
• Stay Well communication toolkit: Partners are invited to share our Stay Well this winter tips by downloading posters, social media posts and more. For an online link to these assets, email our communications team.
• Neighbourhood Health communication toolkits: Packed with useful festive health information such as Christmas opening times, and getting repeat prescriptions in time for the bank holidays. These provide social media and newsletter content, social media images, posters and postcards, and are circulated to system partners, GP practices, town and parish councils, community hubs, libraries and foodbanks. For an online link to these assets, email our communications team.
• NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website: Visit our dedicated webpage highlighting the Stay Well this winter campaign.
• Winter Wellbeing guides: Refreshed and updated for 2025-2026, they’ll be available at more than 96 pharmacies, 52 GP practices, 50 community hubs, foodbanks and libraries. An online version is also available, bringing together the best local resources and winter support.
• The Community Gateway helpline: Open from 8am to 8pm all year round on 01872 266383; and our network of community hubs available across Cornwall.