Residents across Brighton & Hove are being urged to take extra precautions as the current amber cold-health alert has been extended, with the city council calling on communities to check in on those who may be most at risk.
The UK Health Security Agency, alongside the Met Office, has confirmed the alert will now remain in force until midday on Monday 12 January. Prolonged periods of cold weather can have serious health impacts, particularly for older people, families with young children, people experiencing homelessness, and those living with long-term medical conditions.
Brighton & Hove City Council is encouraging people to keep up to date with weather forecasts and national warnings, and to take simple but effective steps to stay warm. Advice includes heating living spaces to at least 18°C where possible and wearing several thin layers of clothing rather than one heavy layer to better retain body heat.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said the extended alert highlights the importance of community support. She explained that cold weather can quickly become dangerous for vulnerable residents and urged people to look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who may need additional help during the cold spell.
Residents are being asked to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to see if they require assistance with essentials such as food, medication or care. Anyone experiencing difficulties accessing services can contact the council’s Adult Social Care Access Point for guidance and support.
For households struggling to keep warm or manage rising energy costs, help is available through local schemes including Energyworks and the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP). These services offer free advice, small energy-saving measures and practical support aimed at improving home warmth and reducing bills.
Additional help is also available through the Community Hub, which provides cost-of-living support and winter warmth advice. CareLink Plus offers equipment and a 24-hour alarm service, allowing residents to call for help in an emergency both at home and when out in the community.
The city’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is also in operation. SWEP is activated when temperatures are forecast to feel like zero degrees Celsius or below, or when an amber weather warning is in place, and ensures emergency accommodation is available for people sleeping rough.
Members of the public who are concerned about someone sleeping rough, including individuals staying in tents, are encouraged to make a report via the Streetlink website so outreach teams can offer support.
Further local advice on staying safe and well during cold weather, including contact details for support services, is available on the council’s website. Anyone worried about their own health or that of someone else can also contact NHS 111 for urgent medical advice
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