We’re pleased to announce the launch of the Winter Wellbeing Guide 2026/27 – a document which aims to help Isles of Scilly residents stay warm, well, safe, happy and informed throughout the winter months.
A digital version of the guide can be downloaded from our Winter Wellbeing webpage and will be emailed to residential addresses across the islands from next week.
Free, printed copies of the booklet will also be distributed to those on existing mailing lists and will be available for collection from the customer hubs at Carn Gwaval Wellbeing Centre or St Mary’s Library, the health centre on St Mary’s and from the community centres on the off-islands, in the coming weeks. If you haven’t received a copy by the end of October and would like one to be posted to you, please contact enquiries@scilly.gov.uk
The Guide is packed with practical advice, information and useful contacts for residents and anyone staying on the islands over the winter. It was produced by Inclusion Cornwall, commissioned by the Council of the Isles of Scilly as part of our Public Health function, and is intended to help anyone who may be in need of a little extra support. It includes:
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Practical advice for keeping warm and well
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Information on financial support and energy-saving help
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Details of free independent advice and advocacy services
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Contacts for organisations and support agencies on Scilly and in Cornwall
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Health, wellbeing and home safety information
Following the heatwaves this summer, the 2026/27 edition of the Guide also includes a new Summer Wellbeing 2027 section, which offers advice on staying safe and healthy during periods of hot weather.
Lead Member for Adults, Cllr Avril Mumford has welcomed this year’s guide, saying: “It’s wonderful to be able to share this free guide with the community. It contains some really useful advice, which I hope will provide reassurance and support to anyone who worries about getting through the winter months.
One of the best things about our community is how many people take the time to regularly check in on their friends and neighbours, and how quickly everyone offers to lend support when people ask for help. This community support is particularly important at the time of year when fewer people are out and about. I hope this document will encourage more conversations with those who may be in need of further support and make it easier for them to access the right services. If you know someone who may benefit from the advice in the Guide, please collect a copy for them.
I’m also glad to see the inclusion of some advice for summer in the Guide, for the first time. Even though Summer 2027 feels like a long way off and many of us look forward to warmer weather, we must remember to look out for those who are more vulnerable to rising temperatures in periods of intense heat.”
Katie Ash, Director of Public Health, Isles of Scilly said: “I hope that this year’s Winter Wellbeing Guide comes as a welcome reminder to everyone to prepare well for the months ahead and to prioritise their own health and wellbeing alongside that of their loved ones and fellow community members. It’s fantastic to be able to direct residents to so many sources of support and advice, both on the islands and on the mainland, and I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed to this effort to keep everyone warm, well, safe, happy and informed throughout the winter and beyond.”