As the colder weather sets in, it’s important to look after your health and wellbeing. Whether it’s staying active, keeping warm, or connecting with others, there’s plenty of help and support available across Ayrshire to keep you healthy and connected during the winter months.
Stay Active and Keep Fit
You don’t need to go far to stay active — small steps can make a big difference:
- Try gentle indoor exercises like stretching or chair-based movement routines
- Join a local walking group or community exercise class to stay motivated
- Check out NHS Ayrshire and Arran for excellent guidance on starting or improving your physical activity journey.
Look After Your Mental Health
Shorter days and colder weather can sometimes affect mood and energy levels.
If you’re feeling low, anxious, or isolated, support is available:
- Breathing Space Scotland – free, confidential listening and advice (call 0800 83 85 87)
- NHS inform – Mental health self-help guides – practical resources to manage stress, anxiety, or low mood
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran – Mental Health Support Services – local help and contacts for wellbeing and community support.
Keep Warm and Well
Keeping warm helps protect you from common winter illnesses:
- Heat your home to at least 18°C if possible
- Wear several thin layers instead of one thick one
- For eligible patients – make sure you’re up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Podiatry and Physiotherapy
If you have foot pain, mobility issues, or aches and stiffness in colder months:
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran Podiatry Service – self-refer for foot and lower-limb problems
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran Physiotherapy – advice and support for joint or back pain.
Healthy Weight and Nutrition
Eating well keeps your immune system strong and energy levels up.
- The NHS Ayrshire Weight Management Service (18 years and over) offers free, tailored support for healthy eating and active living
- Community centres across Ayrshire often host cookery or nutrition workshops — check local listings or your council website.
Local Help and Community Support
Ayrshire has a wide range of community groups and organisations offering practical help, social connection, and wellbeing support throughout winter.
South Ayrshire
- Connect South Ayrshire – Lifeline Services: Free helpline for wellbeing, financial, and heating support (call 0800 432 0510)
- Three Sixty (formerly Ayr Action for Mental Health): Activities and social support for adults aged 16+ with mental-health challenges.
North Ayrshire
- C.L.A.S.P (Community Led Action & Support Project): Social, digital, and wellbeing support for people aged 50+ in Stevenston and surrounding areas
- North Ayrshire Community Support Hubs: Local hubs across North Ayrshire offering community, food, and wellbeing support.
East Ayrshire
- We Are With You – Ayrshire: Free confidential support for adults and young people affected by alcohol, drugs, or mental-health challenges.
Local Community Connectors
- Local community connectors and health hubs can be found via your local council website or the Ayrshire ALISS Directory.
A Final Word
Small steps — staying active, eating well, keeping warm, and reaching out — can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing this winter.
If you’re unsure where to start, speak with your pharmacist, or visit NHS inform for trusted health advice and local service information.