RESIDENTS across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being urged to make use of a wide range of support services this winter to help them stay warm, fed and healthy during the colder months.

BCP Council says help is available throughout the festive season and beyond, with schemes offering financial assistance, warm spaces and health advice as winter pressures increase.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing Cllr David Brown said: “The festive season is nearly here. Everyone is extremely busy but we want residents to know help is available to make winter more manageable.

“We have services to support residents financially with winter bills, to keep them fed and warm. We don’t want anyone to suffer alone so please reach out to these community schemes.”

Health officials are encouraging eligible residents to get a flu vaccination, as cases continue to rise in the lead-up to Christmas.

Residents are also advised to take simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including staying at home when unwell, ventilating indoor spaces, practising good hygiene and mask wearing while ill.

During winter, community ‘welcome spaces’ are opening their doors across the area.

Libraries, churches, community centres and cafés are offering warm, inviting settings where people can relax, enjoy refreshments, take part in activities and spend time with others.

Financial support is also available through the Household Support Fund, which provides short-term help with food, energy and utility bills.

Applications are open until January and are administered by Citizens Advice BCP.

For those struggling with food insecurity, the Access to Food Partnership helps connect residents with food banks, community meals and social supermarkets, as part of wider cost-of-living support available across the conurbation.