Now in its fifth year, VAC (Voluntary & Community) has delivered vital support to vulnerable residents across Calderdale, distributing more than 3,000 Winter Care Packs with the help of local voluntary and community groups.
Since 2021, VAC has provided these free packs on behalf of Calderdale Cares Partnership, during the coldest months, when many people face increased risks to their health and wellbeing.
Winter places significant pressure on the NHS, particularly urgent and emergency care, as colder weather, flu and seasonal viruses lead to rising demand. To help ease this strain, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board’s ‘Together We Can’campaign encourages people to make informed choices about their healthcare. By ensuring communities have access to trusted information and practical tools, the campaign aims to reduce unnecessary visits to GP practices and A&E for minor concerns.
The Winter Care Packs support this effort. Assembled by volunteers, they are distributed through local groups to residents who may be isolated, struggling, or without access to essential support.
Dr Farrukh Javid, GP in Calderdale and Chair of the Calderdale and Huddersfield Urgent and Emergency Care Board, said:
“We recognise the vital role that Voluntary and Community organisations in Calderdale play in ensuring important health messages reach our communities. Winter is a particularly challenging time for the NHS, especially for urgent and emergency services. The VAC Winter Pressures Programme continues to play a crucial role in encouraging people to ‘choose well’ during times of significant pressure on health and care services.”
This year’s packs included:
• Informational leaflets on staying well through Winter
• The 2026 VCSE Directory, a guide to local support across Calderdale
• Fleece throw, thermal hat, gloves and neck snood
• First aid kit
• Keyring torch
• Cup-a-soups and Yorkshire parkin biscuits
• Reusable tote bag
The VCSE Directory is a key resource, listing local voluntary, community and social enterprise groups that offer support across Calderdale, from mental health and social activities to financial advice and wellbeing services.
Tamsin Woodhead, Quality & Engagement Lead at VAC, said:
“Many people are more isolated than we realise, and yearly feedback shows just how valued the packs are and how they help people feel seen and supported.”
Alongside practical items, each pack reinforces key winter wellbeing messages, encouraging the use of online NHS services and community pharmacies for minor illnesses, sharing tips for staying warm, and offering guidance on when to use urgent or emergency care.
Nicola Slingsby, Administrator & Development Worker at Disability Partnership Calderdale, added:
“Every year, the packs offer something new, and people are always grateful. Many tell us how useful last year’s packs were, too. It’s a brilliant initiative, and it’s amazing how many VAC are able to distribute.”
Through these efforts, VAC and its partners continue to support Calderdale residents during the most challenging months of the year, helping people stay informed, warm, and well.
