Health and care partners across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are launching a new winter wellbeing campaign to help people with a learning disability stay healthy and well through the colder months.
The campaign focuses on guidance around six simple actions:
- Get your flu vaccine.
- Eat well.
- Attend your annual health check.
- Wear layers and keep warm.
- Take vitamin D.
- Speak up if you are worried about your health.
As part of the guidance there’s a new easy-to-understand animation, Top tips for self-care in winter: if you have a learning disability, which covers practical topics such as keeping warm, eating and drinking well, staying active, and knowing where to get help if needed. It also encourages people to attend their annual health check and have their flu vaccine when invited.
The animation uses clear language and accessible messages so people can make informed choices about their health and when and where to seek support.
These small actions can make a significant difference to health and wellbeing during winter, especially for people with long-term conditions, learning disabilities, autism, older people and carers.
Dr Archana Anandaram, GP and clinical lead for learning disabilities for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Learning Disabilities and Autism (LDA) Collaborative said:
“Winter can be challenging for many people, but there are simple things we can all do to stay well. This campaign aims to raise awareness of practical actions that support better health and encourage people to seek help early when they need it.
“We have produced this animation to provide clear, accessible information that will help people with a learning disability understand how to stay well during winter. By presenting key health messages in an engaging and easy-to-understand format, it supports people to make informed choices, stay healthy, and access help when they need it.”
Families, carers, support staff and professionals are encouraged to share the animation and other resources to start conversations about staying well this winter.
The animation is available to view on YouTube.
People are encouraged to speak to their GP practice, pharmacy or healthcare professional for advice and support.
Additional information and support can be found in the healthy living toolkits, which provide advice on how people can take an active role in improving their own health through better nutrition, hydration and physical activity.
For more information and to download the healthy living toolkit, please visit the LLR health and wellbeing partnership website. The toolkit is available in both an easy read and a standard version.