Keeping Warm in Winter: Aspire2 Mobility’s Guide to Staying Cosy
Winter brings colder temperatures and increased pressure on household heating. At Aspire2 Mobility, we understand that many people want to stay warm without undertaking large or complicated preparations. This guide provides straightforward and practical advice that respects your time, comfort and independence, while helping you make the most of available support, including the Winter Fuel Allowance.
1. Understanding the Winter Fuel Allowance
The Winter Fuel Allowance (Winter Fuel Payment) is a payment from the UK Government that helps older residents with heating costs. Payments typically range from £100 to £300, depending on age and personal circumstances.
Eligibility is based on your situation during the qualifying week, which for the 2025 to 2026 winter period is 15 to 21 September 2025. For example, being in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole of that week may mean you do not qualify.
Full details can be found on the official Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
If you qualify, it can significantly reduce the cost of heating during the colder months. If you do not qualify, there are still many practical ways to remain warm comfortably.
2. Heat the Rooms You Use Most
Heating the entire home is sometimes unnecessary. A more efficient approach is to focus on the rooms you spend most of your time in. Consider:
- Keeping doors closed to retain warmth
- Using thermostatic radiator valves to control individual room temperatures
- Setting the heating to come on at certain times of day rather than running constantly
These small adjustments can help maintain warmth without high energy bills, also providing you with some additional money to spend elsewhere to help boost your warmth, on blankets, or other in home accessories to optimise warmth.
3. Improve Warmth Without Complex Work
Many effective methods of retaining heat do not require major home alterations or strenuous effort. Useful options include:
- Thick curtains or thermal curtains that help keep heat inside
- Simple draught excluders at the bottom of doors
- Rugs placed on bare floors to reduce cold spots
These changes are easy to manage and make a noticeable difference.
4. Practical, Low-Effort Heating Solutions
There are several heating products that provide local warmth with minimal running cost and without needing to heat the whole house. These include:
- Low energy portable heaters for individual rooms
- Heated throws or blankets
- Oil filled radiators with built in thermostats
These are useful for maintaining comfort while keeping energy usage within manageable levels.
Confused.com have given a more detailed guide on small in home changes that can make a big difference throughout winter, 8 simple home hacks to make your house warmer - Confused.com
5. Gentle Movement for Warmth
Light movement can help maintain circulation and natural warmth. This does not require strenuous exercise. Even simple activities, such as stretching your arms and legs, standing and sitting occasionally, or moving around the room when able, can help you feel warmer.
6. Create a Comfortable Indoor Environment
It can be helpful to establish a main living space that stays consistently warm. Adding cushions, throws and comfortable seating can improve warmth and help turn this room into a reliable place to relax during colder spells.
7. Additional Support and Where to Find It
If you are finding winter heating costs difficult, there are trustworthy sources of support available throughout the UK. You can check the following for advice or financial assistance:
Age UK
Information, advice and local support services
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/winter-fuel-payment/
Citizens Advice
Guidance on energy bills, grants and assistance from suppliers
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/
Warm Spaces (Warm Welcome Campaign)
Community buildings offering free warm spaces during winter
Your energy supplier
Most major suppliers have support schemes or grants for customers who are struggling. Check the website of your energy company or call their customer services team for details.
Local Council Support Schemes
Many councils offer additional winter support or emergency heating funds. You can find your local council using the Government’s postcode search tool:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Final Thoughts
Winter does not need to be uncomfortable or overwhelming. With a combination of efficient heating and simple home adjustments you can stay warm and comfortable throughout the colder months. If you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance, it can provide valuable help with heating costs. If you are not eligible, there are still plenty of ways to keep warm safely and affordably.
Aspire2 Mobility remains committed to helping you stay comfortable, independent and warm this winter.
One of our recent blogs also highlights the steps you can take to keep your mobility equipment in good shape throughout the Autumn and Winter, click below to read blog.
Autumn & Pre-Winter Mobility Scooter Checks: Aspire2 Mobility’s Guide
