We know the festive season has its highs and lows. For some people, it’s a time of togetherness and relaxation. For others, it can feel quite lonely or stressful. If you’re struggling physically, emotionally, or financially, there is support you can access.
The Contact Point will remain open for most of the festive season, and below we’ve compiled resources and events to help you stay safe and connected.
Warm Welcome Spaces
All Manchester libaries are part of the national Warm Welcome Spaces Campaign.
This campaign seeks to provide safe, welcoming and stigma-free places for people in need of support during the colder winter months. Whether it is accessing free Wi-Fi, a hot cup of tea or the companionship of other people, 22 libraries across the city will be open to those who need them.The range of support available for people attending libraries include
- Age-friendly spaces
- Free self-service hot drinks (this offer is not available at the Central Library)
- Comfortable seating and a welcoming environment
- Free internet access and Wi-Fi
- Newspapers
- Staff support to signpost people to services that the Council provides or support agencies
- Under 5s story time once a week at 11am (please consult your local library for more information)
The Warm Welcome Spaces network is a countrywide initiative, with more than 5,300 venues having signed up to take part.
To find out where your closest Warm Welcome Space is, follow this link to find an interactive map: www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space#map
Winterwise guides for older Manchester residents
You can download a digital copy or request a physical copy at www.independentage.org/get-advice/winterwise
Free flu vaccine for carers
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
- book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccination where you can walk-in and get vaccinated without an appointment (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- go to a walk-in
Financial advice
- The Carers Manchester Contact Point has two welfare benefits advisors who can do a free benefits check with you, to make sure you’re receiving the financial support you’re entitled to. They can also signpost you to additional financial help and advice.
- Mobilise have compiled a guide: ‘Financial support in winter for carers‘ which you can also listen to in audio form.
- Manchester City Council has a free cost-of-living advice line open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm: 0800 023 2692.
Free energy-saving advice
One Manchester: free winter social events
One Manchester are teaming up with local community organisations to host free coffee mornings, cooking clubs, craft sessions and much more! You can expect a free hot drink or meal at each event as well as an activity. One Manchester colleagues will also be on hand to answer any questions or concerns you might have or might need support with. From money advice, tips on energy saving, tackling and reporting damp and mould, and accessing routine health checks, their colleagues will be here to help you get ready to face the winter.
Find out more: www.onemanchester.co.uk/news-stories/stay-warm-and-well-winter
