Christmas and New Year can be a joyful exciting time. However, it can also be difficult, straining us mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.

Help is at hand. There are many services that can offer free help and support. All the services below can be contacted free of charge.

If you or someone you know needs help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you can go to NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option.

The government is urging students to follow the Stop! Think Fraud campaign advice to ensure they are protected from scams.

Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes. Students are being reminded to spot scams, with fraudsters targeting those fresh to university life and financial independence.

The top scam hitting students is bank impersonation, with one in four targeted. In bank impersonation scams, criminals pose as genuine bank staff and contact victims via text messages, phone calls, or emails. Other common scams encountered include fake tax rebates, with fraudsters sending fake messages claiming an HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) tax refund is just a click away.

You can Check a request from HMRC is genuine by visiting GOV.UK. Students unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC should forward it to 60599, or by email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report a tax scam phone call at GOV.UK.

Over half of students (57%) have encountered or had money stolen by criminals, according to new data from NatWest’s Student Living Index. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are now having an average of £300 stolen by scammers in the past year, showing the crucial need for action.

For more information, visit: Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams

Vaccines, health checks and venues that can offer support are among the guidance issued by health partners in Cheshire West and Chester this winter.

As temperatures drop, residents are advised to make sure they are up-to-date with any seasonal vaccines that they are eligible for, and that they know where to go for help.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is one of the organisations in Cheshire West Place, a partnership of the Council, NHS and community groups working to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across the borough.

Six top tips shared by Cheshire West Place, which may be useful for you to share with your friends, families and networks, include the following:

1. Protect yourself and others with a flu vaccine, available free from the NHS for:

• pregnant women
• children aged from two to 16
• children aged up to 17 with long-term health conditions
• adults aged 65 and over
• adults aged up to 64 in clinical risk groups
• care home residents
• frontline health and social care workers
• carers or household contacts of people who are immunocompromised.

To find out more visit: www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/wintervaccines

2. Take up the offer of a free COVID-19 vaccine from the NHS if you are:

• aged 75 or over (including people who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
• aged between six months to 74 years old and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• living in a care home for older adults

You may also be eligible for other vaccinations, including the pneumococcal vaccine (if you are aged 65 or over) and the RSV vaccine (if you are pregnant, aged 75 to 79, or turned 80 after 1 September 2024). You only need one dose of each of these vaccinations to help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, including pneumonia.
For more information visit: www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/wintervaccines

3. Get a free health check when the Living Well bus is in your area. Residents can drop in for services including:

• flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
• routine immunisations
• blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and BMI checks
• mental health support
• healthy lifestyle advice.

4. Get free advice from NHS Pharmacy First, without a GP appointment. Pharmacies can offer advice on seven common conditions:

• sinusitis for people aged 12 and above
• sore throats for people aged five and above
• earache for people aged between one and 17
• infected insect bites for people aged one and above
• impetigo for people aged one and above
• shingles for adults
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged between 16 and 64.

5. Use the new access hours for GP online services. All GP practices in England now keep their online consultation tools open from 8am to 6.30pm which means:

• you can submit non-urgent requests during core hours
• you can submit medication and admin queries.

Use your GP practice’s website for more information on how to submit your online consultation.

6. Visit a welcoming space in the borough through the Warm Welcome Campaign.
This campaign is about helping people find free, heated spaces to relax, socialise and enjoy refreshments. Regular handwashing also remains important to reduce the spread of infections.

For more information visit our website, and search for ‘keep warm and well this winter’.

Residents are invited to have their say on changes to services aimed at families this autumn.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals to change parts of its Healthy Child Programme.

The current programme, delivered on behalf of the Council by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), helps children and young people aged up to 19 (or 25 with special educational needs) and their families.

The consultation follows engagement with families during the spring to gather feedback on current services.

Cllr Lisa Denson, the Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health), said: “One of our key priorities as a Council is supporting children and young people to have the best start in life so they can develop and reach their full potential.

“We’ve been working with families in the borough to find out what people think of current services and how we can shape them in the future, particularly in light of increasing numbers of people needing help and rising costs.

“Now we’re appealing to families again, this time to take a look at our proposals and let us know what you think.”

The contract for the Healthy Child Programme, part of the current Starting Well service, comes to an end on 30 June 2027.

This public consultation aims to inform the new contract and build a service that can have the greatest impact within budget.

Proposals include reducing or ending an evidence-based parenting programme, reducing the scope of the School Nursing Service or reducing or ending the Family Nurse Partnership Service.

Families, young people and professionals are invited to have their say on the proposals.

Cllr Adan Langan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Please take a look at our proposals and give us your feedback so that we know we’re doing the right thing for our communities.”

The consultation closes on 8 February 2026.

To find out more and to take part:

• Complete the online survey at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/HealthyChildProgramme
• Email: HealthyChildProgramme@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Write to: Healthy Child Programme Consultation, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 0BA 
• Telephone: 0300 123 8123 and quote ‘Healthy Child Programme consultation’ 
• Request paper copies of this engagement or alternative formats using the contact details above. 

Challenge Poverty Week runs from 13–19 October. It’s a chance for us all to shine a light on the real challenges people face and to celebrate the incredible work already happening across our communities.

We’re encouraging everyone to Do One Thing to take a simple step towards improving your financial wellbeing. Whether it’s having a chat with family, seeking advice, or reviewing your budget. Small actions can lead to big changes.

Below are a few suggestions to get you started, remember you only need to do one.

• Check your benefits – You may not be receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to. Use the benefits calculator to check what you are entitled to. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/other-benefits-and-grants
  
  
• Support for families – Check if you’re eligible for free school meals, Healthy Start and other support for families by visiting the cost of living page.
  https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living
  
  
• Manage your energy costs – If you’re worried about energy bills there is help available, contact your supplier or visit our home energy page. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/energy/home-energy
  
  
• Skills and employment – Thinking about work or training? The skills and employment team can help with mentoring, adult learning and overcoming barriers to work. Check the courses and information on their hubs below and call in and have a chat.
  https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/further-and-higher-education/skills-and-employment

If you’re part of an organisation that supports people in your community, tell us how you're making a difference. Share your work, your impact, and how you're listening to those with lived experience. Use the hashtags #ChallengePoverty and tag @go_CheshireWest so we can amplify your voice.

The government’s Household Support Fund is there to support households most in need, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other related essential items with two schemes currently open.

Pensioner scheme – deadline for registering 17 October 2025

We wrote to all eligible customers during June and July to invite a claim to receive a payment of £50. Not all eligible pensioners have registered their bank details with us to enable this payment to be issued so we have written again as a reminder of this scheme and invite a claim by the deadline of 17 October 2025.

If you were invited to claim but have not yet done so, we would encourage you to register your bank details with us to receive the support and you will also automatically be considered for future similar schemes.

More information can be found at:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/pensioner-low-income-households

Discretionary scheme

Our new discretionary scheme which gives £150 to low-income households is now open for applications for those in need of support.

This discretionary scheme is only open to households which have an active claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. As this is a new scheme, residents who already received support between May to September 2025, are now eligible to claim again.

More information including how to apply can be found at :

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/energy-and-food-cost-support

Winter pensioner scheme – due to open 10 November 2025

In November, we will be opening our winter pensioner scheme. If you are eligible and have provided your bank details during the winter pensioner scheme last year, or during the summer pensioner scheme mentioned above, you’ll automatically be considered for this winter scheme too, with no need to apply again.

For all other eligible low-income pensioners who are receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, we will contact you direct to advise how to claim this additional support.

More information can be found at:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/pensioner-low-income-households

Additional support and advice is available for anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, requires debt advice or who’s health has been affected by the rising cost of living.

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Eligible working parents in Cheshire West and Chester could receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week during term time for children aged 9 months to school age. This change is part of the government's expanded Childcare Choices programme and is designed to help families with the cost of living, support working parents, and give children the best start in life.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local families to access funded childcare from as early as nine months old. The cost of living can be challenging, and this support can make a real difference to parents balancing work and family life. From the end of parental leave to the start of primary school, an average working parent could save up to £7,500 per year – money that stays in your pocket for your family's needs.

Share this information with friends, family members, neighbours, and community groups. Many families still don’t realise they’re eligible, especially those with younger children or returning to work.

For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for funded childcare, visit:

The Best Start in Life parent hub

UKHSA urges vaccination against respiratory viruses ahead of winter

The UK Health Security Agency urges people to book their vaccinations against flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as cases are starting to increase ahead of the winter months.

UKHSA urges vaccination against respiratory viruses ahead of winter - GOV.UK

To ensure people are protected ahead of the peak respiratory illness season, UKHSA is highlighting the importance of taking up the free NHS offer as soon as you are invited for vaccination. Pregnant women and millions of children have already been able to get vaccinated, with appointments for most eligible groups available from 1 October.

For the first time this year, in addition to other eligible groups, toddlers can also get their flu vaccination, which is given as a nasal spray, at community pharmacies.

To book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, visit the National Booking Service:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

Free chickenpox vaccination to be offered for first time to children in England from January

Recently the government announced that starting next January, young children in England will get a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

From January next year, GP practises will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – the clinical term for chickenpox – as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

Expected to be given to around half a million children each year across England, the vaccination will be given to eligible children during routine GP appointments as part of the infant vaccination schedule.

Eligibility will be based on how old a child is when the programme starts in January 2026. Parents will be provided with more information nearer the time.

For more information, visit:
Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children - GOV.UK

The UKHSA and NHS England are calling on parents to check their child’s vaccine records and catch up on any missed vaccinations with their GP practice.

Read more, at:
Almost 1 in 5 children starting primary school are not fully protected against several serious diseases - GOV.UK

To celebrate Get Online Week from 20 to 26 October, Connecting Cheshire are working with local community organisations to run free digital drop-in events in Frodsham and Winsford.

Get Online Week is a national campaign run by Good Things Foundation, and it’s all about helping people feel more confident using the internet. It’s been going since 2007 and every year thousands of people across the UK take part.

With everything from banking to benefits now online, not having access or the skills to get online can make life much harder.

What to expect at the drop-ins

• Help getting started with devices and Wi-Fi
• Learn a new digital skill
• Advice on staying safe online

Event times and locations

Get Online Winsford
Date: 21 October 2025
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm
Location: Winsford Youth and Community Forum, Nixon Drive, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 2HG

Get Online Frodsham
Date: 23 October 2025
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Location: St Laurence’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Frodsham, WA6 6PN

For more digital information and for details about upcoming events, visit:

Digital Inclusion Events - Digital Cheshire

Getting around using public transport can not only save you money but is good for the environment too. Check out the deals on offer across our borough and beyond.

Avanti West Coast’s Superfare ticket extended to Chester

The Superfare ticket offers low-cost journeys to and from London.

The new fare costing £21 for a single journey, is available on direct Avanti West Coast trains between the two cities. It can be purchased at least 7 days in advance and up to 56 days before travel.

The ticket enables customers to book a journey for a specific date at a cheaper fare with the choice of a morning, afternoon, or evening slot.

Find out more

itravel now departing on Saturdays

itravel on-demand rural bus service covers a wide area including Helsby, Frodsham, Delamere and Acton Bridge, as well as some other villages where no commercial services are available.

It is simple, easy and cost effective to use. Just register to use the service, book your journey and you’re off. The many simple, convenient and varied ways of booking make it easier to connect you to people and places.

Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays), and Saturdays between 9am and 5pm. You can book online, using the mobile phone app (available to download from the App Store or Google Play, or by telephone – 0330 678 1545.

Booking details

Chester Park and Ride

Travelling into Chester for work or leisure? Park and Ride operates from Upton, Boughton Heath and Wrexham Road. Free parking, with discounts for groups now available. Buses operate three separate circular routes direct into the city, then back to your car park.

PR1 – Wrexham Road Park and Ride: Grosvenor Road (for Racecourse and Law Courts) – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop AA (for shops and visitor attractions) – Pepper Street (for the River Dee and Boat Trips) – Grosvenor Road - Wrexham Road Park & Ride

PR2 – Boughton Heath Park and Ride: Boughton Waitrose (for Business Quarter) - The Bars – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop AA (for shops and visitor attractions) – Boughton Waitrose - Boughton Heath Park & Ride

PR3 – Upton (Zoo) Park and Ride: Liverpool Road (Countess Hospital) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange (for university) – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop BB (for shops and visitor attractions) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange – Liverpool Road (Countess Hospital) - Upton (Zoo) Park & Ride

Find out more

Get around for £3 until 2027

Single bus fares to be capped at £3 until March 2027, ensuring services remain affordable and supporting travel in rural areas and towns.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has worked with operators to encourage as many as possible to participate, although some services will not be eligible.

Journeys starting in Wales are not eligible for the scheme, however local concessions have been introduced by some operators.

Find our more