Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
Keeping warm
Tips on how to keep warm without spending too much money.
Staying warm during the day
- heat your main living room to around 18 to 21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF)
- heat all the rooms you use during the day
- if you can't heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed
- set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed
- in very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier rather than turning the thermostat up, so you won't be cold while you wait for your home to heat up
Staying warm at night
- keep the temperature above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom
- if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door a little at night for ventilation
- to prevent the risk of electrocution, avoid using an electric blanket with a hot water bottle
- to prevent the risk of scalds or burns, make sure you fill your hot water bottles with warm water - never use boiling water
- If you have an electric blanket check what type it is - some are designed to only warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night
Make sure your heating is safe. It's important to make sure your heating is safe and your house or workplace is properly ventilated, check how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide.
Wear warm clothes
You can help keep warm by:
- wearing plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one
- putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside
- wearing clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibres (cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry)
- wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night
- If possible, stay indoors during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
Eating well
'NHS Eat well' gives advice on a diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.
Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day like soup which is nutritious, keeps you warm and is inexpensive to make or buy.
Staying active and stay in touch
Staying active is good for your health. Walking, for example, can be good for you. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors by catching up on all the household tasks you've been putting off.
Stay in contact with friends and family, especially if you've been stuck in the house for a few days. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help, check up on them.
Warm spots
A Warm Spot offers a warm, welcoming space for people to visit this winter if they need it. They are run by a range of different organisations including churches, village halls, local councils and libraries.
Free home energy advice from Futureproof Cumbria
Futureproof Cumbria (previously Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) - Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria) is a Penrith-based charity. It offers:
- free independent advice, including a call from a qualified, independent advisor
- home visits (depending on eligibility)
- equipment to help make your home warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat
Find more information about the free home energy support service offered by Futureproof Cumbria.
You can apply yourself - you do not need a referral from someone else. You can also apply for someone else, if you know that they may benefit from the service.
The charity works with both councils in Cumbria - Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness.
During winter 2025/2026, support for residents in Westmorland and Furness also includes:
- free fuel vouchers
- free professional draughtproofing
- free equipment such as dehumidifiers, air fryers, and heated throws
How to contact Futureproof Cumbria
You can fill in an application form using the 'get help' links above.
You can also contact Futureproof before you apply. You might, for example, want to know if you're eligible or check if the service is legitimate.
Futureproof Cumbria charity
Telephone: 01768 216 500 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
Email: homes@futureproofcumbria.org.uk