UK residents urged to knock their neighbour's door, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

UK residents urged to knock their neighbour's door, Thursday, Friday and Saturday A simple knock on the door could make a world of difference Residents in certain parts of the UK are being urged to knock on their neighbours' doors and check in on them for an important reason. It comes as part of the Government's latest advice following a new warning. On Tuesday, November 10, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season. A yellow cold-health alert is in effect for the North West and West Midlands, from 9am on Thursday, November 12 until 12pm on Saturday, November 14. People in these areas are advised to "check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable". The UKHSA warns that low temperatures may lead vulnerable people to use health care services more often and can increase health risks for adults aged 65 and older, people with existing conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, and other at-risk groups, including people sleeping rough. According to the Weather Health Alerting system, launched by UKHSA and the Met Office, yellow cold-health alerts can be issued during hot or cold spells that are unlikely to affect most people but may put those who are especially vulnerable at risk. A quick knock on the door or a short phone call can make a big difference. NHS-backed steps to take when checking in: - Check their indoor warmth - Verify food and medicine supplies - Offer practical errands - Watch for warning signs Make sure their heating is working properly and that the rooms they use most are heated to at least 18°C. Ask if they have enough groceries, warm drinks, and prescription medications so they do not have to go out in the cold. Offer to pick up shopping, collect prescriptions, put their bins out, or grit icy paths outside their home. Look out for uncollected post, closed curtains during the day, or signs that they seem unusually drowsy, confused, or unwell. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable. "We’re also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather." If you are worried about a neighbour's health or suspect mild hypothermia, contact NHS 111 or a local pharmacist for guidance. If someone is difficult to wake, suddenly confused, struggling to breathe, or showing signs of severe cold exposure, call 999 immediately.