Research reveals over 6 million British children could be facing cold bedtimes this winter, with half of parents (49%) worried their children will be cold at home when temperatures drop.
The new data indicated that almost a quarter of Brits (24%) cannot keep their house warm when it’s cold, no matter what they try.
As a result, a third of parents (32%) admit they’ve had to put their children to bed in a cold room and a further 39% worry the temperature of their house is bad for their family’s health on cold days.
The research, conducted by the home heating experts at SpeedComfort, reveals the scale of British homes’ cold crisis, with many homes falling short of recommended healthy temperatures.
On average, Brits anticipate the temperatures inside their homes will drop to 12.8°C this winter. This is five degrees colder than the recommended healthy temperature for adults to live and sleep in (18°C) and three degrees colder than the minimum safe temperature for infants to sleep in (16°C), according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The impact of this on families across the UK is significant. According to the NHS, consistently being cold can have a detrimental impact on you and your family’s physical health.
The latest findings support this. 43% claim being cold at home causes them physical discomfort, over a quarter (28%) say they’re ill more often when it’s cold, and 41% report feeling down when they’re cold.
In addition to affecting families, the research found that cold temperatures are set to have a big impact on the UK’s most vulnerable citizens, with older people most likely to be cold at home this winter (37%).
This is concerning, given that they are more susceptible to the mental and physical effects of the cold. Half of over 65s say the cold causes discomfort and almost the same proportion (49%) state it makes them feel low (8% higher than the average Brit).
Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, comments: “With the cost of living crisis continuing to affect so many families across the UK, it’s heartbreaking to see that so many people are worried about keeping their families safe and warm at home this winter.
“The cold has a huge impact on how we feel both physically and emotionally. For families with children and vulnerable people, the impact of cold temperatures is even further exacerbated.
“So, if you’re worried about the health of your family this winter, it’s well worth considering alternative ways of keeping your home warm when temperatures drop. To help with this, we’ve created a guide for staying warm without increasing energy usage this winter.”
The line-up for Book Week Scotland 2024 has been revealed, themed around ‘hope’. From 18–24 November, the annual celebration of books and reading, will see events spanning arts, poetry and photography to music, food, nature and languages, as well as a new free book, Scotland’s Stories:Hope.
A whole host of authors and artists will feature including illustrator Johanna Basford, Jackie Kay, Jenny Colgan, Rachelle Atalla, Axel Scheffler, artist Julie Brook, Linda Cracknell, musician Duncan Chisholm and a cartoonist drawalong with Mollie Ray.
The Book Week Scotland 2024 programme has been launched during Libraries Week, underlining the important role libraries play in our communities and during Book Week Scotland itself. Run by Scottish Book Trust, and now in its 13th year, Book Week Scotland is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Launching Book Week Scotland, Johanna Basford commented: “I am so excited to be part of Book Week Scotland this year! Books are magical and I love that with the turn of a page, you can be whisked away on an adventure or find yourself in a whole new world.
I’m so looking forward to being part of this huge, nationwide celebration of books and helping to spread a few smiles!”
Book Week Scotland 2024 programme highlights:
65,000 free copies of Scotland’s Stories: Hope will be distributed all over Scotland
New and exclusive Jenny Colgan story serialisation: Readers can subscribe to a brand new piece of writing by best-selling author Jenny Colgan. Sign up for free daily instalments to be delivered directly to your inbox throughout Book Week.
Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, featuring three of Scotland’s best artists – visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell and composer and musician Duncan Chisholm: In conversation, chaired by Scottish Book Trust’s CEO Marc Lambert, the trio will explore their relationships to the landscapes that nurture, inform and animate their work and discuss how making art in Scotland’s rich and varied landscapes enables them find hope for the future. Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery, 7-8.30pm Monday 18 November
Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay: the former Makar will share books that have played an important role in her life and Dr Sarah McGeown, University of Edinburgh, will share fascinating research on the benefits of reading for pleasure. Portobello Bookshop, Wednesday 20 November, plus a further event at Bishopbriggs Library, Tuesday 19 November.
Society of Authors Drawalong with Mollie Ray: Friday 22 November
Johanna Basford: known for her intricate hand-drawn art and international colouring book success, the ‘queen of colouring’ will host an event at The Duncan Rice Library, Sunday 24 November.
Interactive Reading Map: make sure you add what you’re reading during Book Week, and discover what others are reading. We’ll share our findings on what Scotland is reading right now, later in the year.
In schools:
Authors Live with Axel Scheffler: This event will be broadcast live to schools across the UK, offering an unforgettable experience with the illustrator behind The Gruffalo. Tuesday 19 November.
Universal book gifting for young school children: Every P1, P2, and P3 child in Scotland will receive a specially curated book bag filled with books and activities, thanks to Bookbug (P1) and Read, Write, Count (P2 & P3).
Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council said: “Scotland has a rich cultural heritage; we are recognised across the globe as the home of some of the world’s finest writers.
“SLIC is delighted to partner with Book Week Scotland allowing us to celebrate the power of reading, connecting people to writers and resources and with a brilliant programme of events lined up in libraries across the country, there’s something for everyone.
“Visiting your local library opens countless opportunities to rediscover all that local libraries have to offer.”
Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “Once again Book Week Scotland announces a fantastic list of literary events taking place across the country, for all ages and interests.
“The programme includes some of Scotland’s most recognised and respected writers such as Jackie Kay and the hugely popular novelist Jenny Colgan, alongside exciting new voices like Rachelle Atalla. Book Week Scotland is a true celebration of reading, which makes this year’s positive theme of hope entirely relevant.”
Marc Lambert, CEO Scottish Book Trust, commented: “We are excited to share the programme for Book Week Scotland 2024, featuring a wonderful range of authors and artists. This year’s theme for Book Week Scotland also shines a light on libraries who are themselves beacons of hope.
“Book Week Scotland continues to operate on a limited budget due to funding cuts, and we are, as ever, incredibly grateful to our partners including the Scottish Library and Information Council, library services, independent bookshops, schools and the many other community partners we collaborate with to make Book Week Scotland happen. A love of reading brings much pleasure, many benefits, and indeed hope, to individuals and the communities they live in.”
Julie Brook, visual artist, commented: “Book Week Scotland and their work all through the year is a passionate advocate for making books and the world of books accessible to everyone of all ages.
“My hope is by bringing artists of other disciplines into the conversations we can open up new ways in which to approach reading.”
For more information on events, listingsand how to get involved, visit:
