A new report by Public Health Wales brings together the latest evidence, behavioural insights and practical tools to support health and care colleagues and services in preparing for the winter months.

The report, Winter Well-being: Shared Actions and Impact, is designed to complement existing NHS and Welsh Government winter planning frameworks. It provides actionable guidance and checklists to help teams strengthen system resilience, maintain population health, and ease demand on services.
Building on Public Health Wales’ 2019 report, Improving Winter Health and Well-being and Reducing Winter Pressures in Wales, this updated report takes a behavioural science-informed approach to winter planning.

The report highlights six key priority areas for shared action across individuals, communities and systems:
• Preventing and managing infectious diseases
• Staying warm and well
• Accessing the right care at the right time
• Supporting mental health and well-being
• Supporting vulnerable populations
• Building healthcare workforce resilience

Each section provides practical checklists and ready-to-use tools designed to fit within existing winter planning processes. These tools will help health and care service teams focus their efforts, maintain consistency, and stay well during periods of high demand.