Following two successful years, that have seen thousands of residents supported, Cambridgeshire County Council has today (Monday, 27 October) relaunched its #BeWinterWise campaign, featuring Olly the Owl, for winter 2025–26.
The campaign aims to help Cambridgeshire residents stay safe, warm, and healthy throughout the colder months by sharing practical advice, highlighting local support, and encouraging communities to look out for one another.
Winter can be a difficult time for many: cold weather, rising living costs, and health concerns can put extra pressure on households, particularly older residents, families, people on low incomes, and those living with long-term health conditions.
Through the #BeWinterWise campaign, the council will:
· Raise awareness of how winter weather, financial pressures, and health challenges can be connected.
· Provide support by signposting residents to useful services, and sharing advice tailored to different needs.
· Encourage community spirit, empowering neighbours to support one another and build resilience together.
This year, #BeWinterWise will run alongside the council’s ‘Working For You’ campaign, which highlights the services, outcomes, and people making a difference across Cambridgeshire. Together, these two campaigns will show both what we’re doing to support residents and how communities can access help and take simple, practical steps to stay well this winter.
As part of this approach, the #BeWinterWise campaign will share a wealth of useful information about cost-of-living support, including practical guidance on how to claim Pension Credit for those over State Pension age and on a low income. It will explain how families can apply for supermarket vouchers, for children eligible for free school meals during the school holidays, helping to ease pressures on household budgets.
In addition, the campaign will signpost to support and information from local partner organisations who provide essential services during the winter months, from heating and energy advice to community-based wellbeing support.
Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
“We know that winter can bring real challenges for many people across Cambridgeshire. Through #BeWinterWise, we’re encouraging everyone to take simple steps to stay safe and warm, while also reminding residents that help and support are available.
“By making sure support reaches those who need it most, we’re not only reflecting our ambition to create a greener, fairer, and more caring Cambridgeshire, we’re also aiming to build stronger, more connected communities across the county, ensuring that every resident feels cared for this winter.”
The campaign also promotes small, sustainable actions that benefit both people and the planet, such as saving energy at home, reducing waste, and supporting local services. Together, these efforts help lower costs for households while reducing environmental impact.
Residents can follow the campaign on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram by searching #BeWinterWise, and keep up to date with the latest travel and traffic updates by following @Cambs_Traffic on X.
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