Free winter preparedness webinar - 22 October

Storms, cold weather, ill health and loneliness are all great risks as we head into winter. People and communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are being urged to prepare now by accessing free support, including a ‘winter preparedness’ webinar. This winter, everyone living or working in LLR can get help and resources from the Risk Ready community resilience programme which was launched earlier this year to help people be better prepared for local risks. The programme is run by the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) with Communities Prepared and Groundwork Five Counties.

Rachel Kozlowska-Best, Community Coach for the programme, said: “No two winters are the same so it’s important to be prepared for whatever lies ahead. As well as the disruption caused by adverse weather conditions, the arrival of winter can also affect our health and wellbeing."

“Winter risks can impact everyone but there are simple steps we can all take now to get ready. That includes thinking about what we can do to stay safe, warm and healthy, and how we can support others in our communities to do the same.”

It’s particularly important to look out for people who may find it harder to cope during the winter months, including children, older people, those with physical or mental health conditions, and anyone who may be isolated or living in a rural area.

The programme can also advise on support for people experiencing, or at risk of, fuel poverty this winter. An estimated 2.36 million households experienced fuel poverty in 2025 (Annual fuel poverty statistics report: 2025 - GOV.UK), leading to an increased risk of ill health and even death.

People across LLR can sign up now for a free webinar to make sure they’re prepared for winter risks. The session is repeated so people can choose their preferred date and time:

• Thursday 22 October 10:00am – 11:30am
• Wednesday 4 November 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Free resources are also available on the Risk Ready website, including templates to create a Community Response Plan or Household Emergency Plan, which can be vital when responding to an emergency.

The Risk Ready programme also provides free workshops, information and resources for residents, community groups, businesses, local councils, faith groups and anyone else living or working in LLR.

Sign up for the webinar or access resources by visiting Risk Ready Communities (llrresilienceforum.org.uk/risk-ready-communities)