TINA HELME: Wear extra layers for maximum warmth

Eating warm food at regular intervals may seem simple advice.

Yet the rising cost of fuel can prevent some low-income families eating a well-balanced diet with hot meals included.

Investing in a flask for warm soups and hot drinks can be an efficient way of keeping food readily-available.

When boiling the kettle, only fill it up to the level for the amount of cups you are planning to make.

Use the oven to bulk bake food and cool down and put it in the freezer to eat later.

When reheating food, make sure frozen food is completely defrosted before use.

Look for supermarket food reductions at the end of the day.

Many items can still be frozen for future use.

Be vigilant of use-by dates and use caution on ‘best before’ dates from manufacturers’ food packaging.

Think about the elderly and disabled who may need help winter shopping and offer to lend a hand.

Compile a list to avoid forgetting their requests.

When walking outside, wear extra layers for maximum warmth.

We lose most of our body heat from our heads, so wearing a hat is a good solution.

Gloves, scarf and tissues for running noses all add to our outdoor comfort.

Wear thick socks or tights and padded boots to keep your toes from getting frostbite.

Think about pets too.

Provide extra bedding for animals and check outside water isn’t frozen in very low temperatures.

Rabbits need extra straw and hedgehogs love hiding in the fallen leaves to keep warm.

Feed the birds with seeds and nuts and make sure the bird feeders are hung from trees high enough to stop cats catching them as they eat.

Save money by turning off your lights as you go out of each room.

Open a rainy day savings account for summer when it becomes warm again.

Plan for winter by harvesting fruit and making jams.

Stock up your larders with a few items a week to avoid paying for expensive Christmas hampers.

Until then, snuggle up with a good book.