With Christmas around the corner, Sheffield GPs are encouraging people to check that elderly friends and neighbours are warm and well over the holidays.

The winter season can be challenging at the best of times. It can be especially challenging if you’re alone and have no one to support you. The NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) ‘Community Friends’ scheme aim is to create a spirit of neighbourliness to help bring communities together.

Dr Zak McMurray, Sheffield GP and Medical Director for NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “This is a particularly important scheme for winter as it encourages people to support their friends, family or neighbours and offer them help wherever they may need it.

“You can help in many ways, such as checking in on older neighbours to check they are warm and well, collecting prescriptions or taking them to the GP for any appointments and helping with food shopping.

“Looking in on an elderly neighbour can make a huge difference; helping to prevent loneliness and making sure they are safe and warm."

People are also being encouraged to nominate their ‘Community Friends’ if someone in their area has gone above and beyond to help someone. All of the nominated ‘Community Friends’ will receive a certificate from the NHS, as a thank you for the input that they’ve had in helping someone maintain their independence, mental and physical health during winter.

To nominate someone visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk and click on the ‘involve me’ tab or email sheccg.comms@nhs.net or call 0114 305 1212.