Stay warm and well this winter
This year’s Cornwall Guide to Winter Wellbeing is out now!
Launched on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, the guide is packed with practical advice, financial support information, and key contacts to help you stay healthy, warm, and supported through the colder months.
Over 12% of households in Cornwall face fuel poverty, so please share this resource with anyone who might benefit.
Pick up a copy at libraries, GP surgeries, community hubs, council offices, and many more locations across Cornwall. Or, if you prefer, you can download a copy from the Cornwall Council website.
Fire fighter recruitment poster
On call firefighter recruitment site goes live!
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is looking for people from all walks of life to join their team of on-call firefighters.
If you’re passionate about helping your community and ready for a new challenge, this could be the role for you.
Anyone aged 18 or over who lives or works within five minutes of their local fire station can apply to be an on-call firefighter.
Successful applicants will receive training to make sure they have the skills to keep their local community safe.
Applications close on 4 January 2026.
End violence against women poster
Free parking in council car parks on 6th December poster
Tell us your priorities for Cornwall
What actions could Cornwall Council take that would have the biggest positive impact on you and your family’s quality of life?
The Council’s new administration has set out their priorities for delivering real change on the issues that matter most to residents and communities across Cornwall:
Strong, safe, vibrant communities with more decent and affordable housing
A clean, green Cornwall with healthy rivers and seas
A resilient economy creating good growth and jobs
A caring place for families where children can build a bright future
Supporting people to live healthy and dignified lives
Connected, safe and reliable roads and transport
On Wednesday Cabinet agreed a draft council priorities plan for 2026 to 2030, outlining what our focus will be to achieve these priorities.
Tell us which actions are most important to you.
Join our Standards Committee
We're looking for volunteers to be an Independent Person to support high standards of conduct in local government, giving an impartial view on complaints about councillor conduct.
It requires 10-15 days, or part days, per year of your time. A small allowance and travel and subsistence expenses are provided.
To be an Independent Person, you must be politically neutral and not have been a councillor, employee, or close relative of someone within Cornwall Council or any town or parish council in Cornwall in the last five years.
For more information or an application form, visit Cornwall Council’s website or email Simon Mansell MBE at simon.mansell@cornwall.gov.uk.
Share the care - don't leave it spare
We’re asking residents to help us return unused community loan equipment like crutches, walking frames, commodes and more.
These items are loaned by us and the NHS to help people recover at home. But many are never returned - sometimes they’re forgotten, or people don’t realise they’re on loan.
Returning unused equipment helps others in need and saves money for local services. It’s easy, and there are no fines - even if it’s old or damaged.
How to return equipment:
Visit the Medequip website for information on options for returning different types of equipment.
Drop it off at Medequip Roche Depot, Unit 12, Victoria Business Park, Roche, PL26 8LX (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm).
Or call 01726 210477 or email cornwall@medequip-uk.com to arrange a free collection for larger items.
Help shape the future of health and care in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
People across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being invited to share their views on the future of local health and care services as part of Caring Where It Matters – a new NHS engagement campaign.
The campaign, launched by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), asks residents, community groups and partners to help shape plans for delivering more services closer to home, by completing an online survey and speaking to NHS teams who will be out and about across local communities over the coming weeks.
Local people’s views will feed into the development of a new Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 5-year health and care plan, aligned to the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
The survey is open until Monday 15 December 2025.
Scam alerts for Cornwall
Fake unpaid parking fine notices
Scammers are continuing to send fake texts claiming people have been issued with a parking penalty notice (PCN) using spoofed mobile numbers and email addresses. The text tells you that you must pay a £20 parking fine and says that this is your final notice.
Winter Fuel Payments DWP
After the recent Winter Fuel Payment announcements, scammers have been busy impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions. Fake messages include scam links to websites designed to steal your personal and financial information. DWP will never contact you by text to apply for payments that are part of the Winter Fuel Payment. If you receive a scam text message, you can forward it to the National Cyber Security Service on 7726
Fake QR codes
QR codes across the country are being tampered with in an attempt to scam motorists. Vandalised QR codes take you through to a fake website and ask for your bank details. If you scan a QR code in a Cornwall Council car park, please check that it redirects you to BuzzPay, Cornwall Council’s express payment provider. There have been no reports of this occurring in Cornwall at this time and Council teams regularly check all signage in Cornwall Council car parks to ensure it is safe to use.
This has also been seen in a Boots Pharmacy across the country where the NHS QR code had been replaced with a fake QR code placed over it to steal personal details and acquire bank details for prescription services.
See The Little Book of Big Scams for more scam prevention advice.
South West PCCs and police forces unite to tackle child criminal exploitation across the region
Teenagers from across the South West are being told to ‘Spot the signs’ of child exploitation amid the growing threat of county lines in a targeted TikTok and snapchat advertising campaign.
The adverts highlight what child criminal exploitation looks like, how to spot the signs and where to get help and support. Links to regional services and helplines will ensure that anyone affected can access help quickly and safely.
Recognising that these crimes do not stop at borders, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Gloucestershire police forces alongside their respective OPCCs, have combined resources to take a bold stand against exploitation.
Criminal gangs are increasingly targeting children to transport drugs and cash across county boundaries, using coercion, intimidation and violence. This exploitation can have devastating consequences for young people and their families.
It is the first time that the South West region has launched a coordinated awareness campaign on TikTok and Snapchat, designed to reach young people where they spend much of their time – online.
The campaign features short, impactful videos designed specifically for TikTok and Snapchat, using relatable language and visuals to resonate with young audiences.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “We continue to work across the five forces in the South West to make our area hostile to drug dealers and to those who coerce or exploit our children.
“Drug dealers don’t care that it will put them at risk of serious harm, arrest or worse.
“This important campaign will help inform those around our children, who may have been coerced into committing a crime recognise the signs and encourage them to get help.
“I also urge parents to be vigilant and don’t be afraid to have a frank conversation with your children about how to spot the dangers of exploitation and to look out for their friends and classmates.
“Finally, if you have any information relating to children being involved in this, please report it to police on 101, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.”
Any child can be a victim of child criminal exploitation. If you spot any of the following signs within yourself or a friend, you/they could be in danger:
Going missing
Unexplained gifts including money, trainers, clothing, phones
Glued to their phone constantly taking calls or answering texts, or having several mobile phones
Have become friends with new or older people and dropping existing friends
Becoming secretive around their personal life or mobile phone
Unexplained injuries
Stopping attending school or a significant drop in grades
A change in emotional wellbeing
For more information on child criminal exploitation, please visit Child Criminal Exploitation
Cornwall Council and Public Health Cornwall are launching the largest ever survey on how we feel about growing old.
The survey will ask everyone, including children, what they think it means to be an older person in Cornwall, including people’s experiences and concerns.
The data from the survey will then be used to form part of Cornwall’s application to become an ‘Age-Friendly Community’.
Winter Fuel Payment scam alert!
Be scam aware - there's a new text scam to look out for.
If you get a text saying you need to apply for Winter Fuel Payments or pay a fee, it’s a scam. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you don’t need to do anything.
You can report suspicious texts online at stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
Need help getting to your medical appointment?
If you’re going to a healthcare appointment for non-emergency tests or treatment, you’ll normally be expected to make your own way there - but there are patient transport schemes that could help you, and you may be eligible for NHS funded transport.
We provide information on volunteer transport schemes (including accessible vehicles). Call TAP Cornwall 01872 223388 or visit Community Transport.
You can also find more information through Age UK by calling 01872 265300 or visiting Book transport - Volunteer Cornwall.
NHS-funded patient transport is available for eligible patients meeting the clinical and financial criteria for support or assistance. Advice is available from the booking service on 01872 252211 and online.
Rogue roofers targeting vulnerable residents
Cornwall Council Trading Standards is urging all local councils to be on high alert following a surge in reports of rogue roofing traders operating across the county. These individuals are targeting residents – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – with overpriced, poor-quality, and unnecessary roofing work.
What’s happening
Residents are being approached via flyers offering roofing or home improvement services.
Traders claim to find serious issues and pressure residents into agreeing to costly additional work.
Vulnerable individuals are being pushed to start work immediately – often before the legally required 14-day cooling-off period has passed.
In one case, a resident was persuaded to pay £30,000 for a re-roof, when all that was needed was a repair to some broken tiles.
How local councils can help
Please share this warning with your communities and remain vigilant, especially for residents who may be more susceptible to pressure or deception. Encourage them to:
Avoid cold callers or unsolicited flyers.
Seek recommendations from trusted friends or family.
Use approved traders from schemes like Buy With Confidence.
Get multiple quotes and insist on written agreements.
Never rush into decisions. Genuine traders will respect the 14-day cooling-off period.
Be sceptical of sudden claims of serious damage, especially if there were no prior signs.
How to report concerns
Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. They can escalate the matter to Trading Standards if needed.
Join our mission to help people stay independent at home.
Are you a skilled technician with a passion for helping others?
We're seeking stairlift installers to join us via the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and bring mobility solutions into homes across Cornwall.
Click here for more information or call 0300 365 4050.
Seat belts are one of the most effective safety features, and wearing one can reduce the risk of death by up to 50%. So, please make sure you and all other vehicle occupants are wearing one on every journey.
For more hints and tips on driving safely visit
It’s been a long week and you’re tired, but you think to yourself “I’m not far from home so I’ll keep going”.
Take a break - better to get home safe and a little late, than risk not getting home at all.
For more hints and tips on driving safely visit
We're seeking talented architects and designers to support us in delivering a range of aids and adaptations projects for our elderly and disabled clients.
We're also on the look out for multiskilled stairlift installers, kitchen adaptation specialists, contractors for major extensions and conversions, door openers and entry system experts, as well as those skilled in associated building works.
If you’re interested but want to know more before you apply, please call us on 0300 365 4050 or 07824 707 371.
You can also email us at support@incic.org.uk using the Subject: Cornwall Architect/ Major works.
Find out more.
Return your unused meds to your local pharmacy
Do you have old, unused, unwanted or expired medicines at home?
Help keep your home safe and dispose of them properly by returning them to your local pharmacy - no questions asked!
Keep Everyone Safe
Unused medicines at home can be dangerous, especially if accidentally taken by children, pets, or vulnerable famity members.
Keeping old prescriptions just in case increases the risk of taking the wrong medication.
For safety, medicines are prescribed for you-never share them with anyone else.
Protect The Environment
Throwing medicines in the bin or flushing them can pollute water systems, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
Returning them to your local pharmacy ensures they are disposed of safely, reducing environmental impact.
Support Antimicrobial Stewardship
Returning unused antibiotics helps combat antimicrobial resistance, preserving their effectiveness so they work when you really need them. Improper use or disposal can make bacteria resistant, making infections harder to treat.
Reduce Medicine Waste
Unused medications contribute to significant waste and financial costs within the healthcare system.
Only order what you need, once medicines have left the pharmacy, they can't be reused or recycled.
Are you letting your property or considering letting it?
If you’re currently letting your property or considering letting it in the future, why not work with our Private Letting Service? We're helping local workers and families to find long-term homes.
Our service already manages 100+ properties and makes the letting experience as seamless as possible.
We're competitively priced
We carry out background checks and referencing
We offer dedicated tenancy sustainment if needed.
Call 0300 1234 161 to find out how we can help: www.cornwall.gov.uk/privatelettings
Eat well, spend less - one pot chicken stew
Welcome to episode 16 of our Eat Well, Spend Less cookery video series from our Healthy Cornwall team! These videos give you tips on how to eat healthily on a budget with everyday ingredients from your local shop.
In this episode we're making a budget-friendly one pot chicken stew. Perfect comfort food for these cold winter days, as well as being easy on the wallet.
We hope you enjoy eating this delicious meal!
Time to check for gaps in your pension
There are just 2 months left to check for any gaps in your National Insurance contributions since 6 April 2006 and fill them with National Insurance credits.
From the 6 April 2025, people will only be able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with normal time limits.
The Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK is the quickest and easiest way to check what your pension will be in retirement and take action if needed. You can also use the HMRC app.
Act early if you, or someone you know, is at risk of homelessness
If you, or someone you know, may be of risk of homelessness, don’t wait until it’s too late, please urge them to get in touch with us now.
Our Housing Options team can
Help you stay where you are
Negotiate with your landlord
Support you in finding alternative housing
Call us today on 0300 1234 161 or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/housing
A warm welcome awaits
If you fancy getting out after the Christmas break, meeting other parents and finding friendly support on all aspects of parenting, why not visit one of our Family Hubs?
Family hubs are warm, inviting spaces where parents and caregivers can share stories, get advice and meet other families - supporting each other on the journey of parenthood.
From expecting a newborn, to nurturing toddlers, to helping teens through adolescence, you’ll find the services and the support you need to give your child the best start to life.
We can't wait to meet you!
The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much. Like not being able to raise your arm, or struggling to smile, or slurring when you speak.
Even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of a stroke is always an emergency. Call 999 immediately when you notice any sign of a stroke
Act FAST. Face or Arm or Speech, at the first sign, it's Time to call 999
Visit www.nhs.uk/ActFAST for more information.
Explore Tamar Valley with Free Guided Walks
This autumn, Tamar Valley National Landscape invites you to join their free, weekly guided walks. These walks offer a fantastic opportunity to explore scenic routes while enjoying the health and social benefits of walking in nature.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, groups meet at various locations to discover beautiful trails like Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, South West Coast Path, and Meavy Circular. Most walks include a coffee stop part way round or at the end, and many walkers agree that the social aspect of their walk gives them a real lift, in addition to the physical benefits.
No booking is required, so just turn up with appropriate footwear, a drink, and a snack. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and all walkers participate at their own risk.
Don't miss out on this chance to connect with nature and your community.
Do a home fire safety check - it could save your life
Did you know there are around 35,000 house fires and over 300 fire related deaths in Great Britain each year?
You can now carry out a free online home fire safety check using your phone or tablet. It only takes 15 minutes and could save a life.
If you have vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours you can do the survey for them.
Developed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Fire Kills and Safelincs, the survey takes you through the home one room at a time. The simple questions will help you spot fire risks as you go.
If the property is identified as high risk, you will be offered a free home fire safety check by a member of staff from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.
Reduce your risk of developing dementia
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, so throughout the month we’re sharing some top tips for reducing your risk.
There are a whole range of things you can do to lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia in later life.
In this video Dr Vicky Brown, shares her top tip to avoid loneliness and isolation.
New chatbot to help you get information fast
Residents in Cornwall will get help from a new and improved chatbot which has just launched on the Cornwall Council website.
The chatbot nick named ‘Ker-Know' can answer questions on all the services offered by the council, from waste to education, and do tasks by responding to messages in real time.
It does this by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to search the website on behalf of residents, intelligently responding to their inquiries.
Ker-Know can now resolve almost three quarters of enquiries received by the council daily.
New online tool for finding out care costs
Unlike health care, adult social care services are not free. We can work out a personal budget for the support you need.
If you have less than £23,250 in capital, you may be eligible for some help with the cost of your care. The amount you pay will depend on your:
capital
assets
income
savings
benefits
You may have to pay for all of the costs, or you may be able to apply for financial help.
There's a new online eligibility checker to find out if you may be able to receive financial help.
£3,900 for five minutes of your time?
Could you, or someone you know, be entitled to Pension Credit and be missing out on an average £3,900 extra a year?
Before bills go up this winter, spend 5 minutes using the government's online 'can I claim Pension Credit?' checker tool and find out.
You might be allowed to claim even if you:
have savings
own your own home
are working
are getting a small occupational pension
have been turned down in the past
Remember, you can report lots of things to us online like:
missed waste collections
fly tipping
full litter bins
graffiti
broken street lights
potholes
abandoned vehicles
Borrow a blood pressure monitor with your next library book
You can now borrow a blood pressure monitor free of charge from your local library, just like you borrow a book - all you need is a library card.
Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many don't realise it.
Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but, if left untreated, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The borrow a blood pressure monitor scheme launched as part of this week's Know your Numbers Week - the national campaign encouraging people to check their blood pressure at home.
Free Move More classes for over 65s
People in Cornwall aged 65 and over now have access to free classes aimed at helping them to build strength and balance and reduce the risk of falling.
Called Move More, the programme is provided by Falmouth-based company iCareiMove and funded by Cornwall Council's Public Health team.
