Warmth . Companionship . Winter Pressure Relief
Supporting families and individuals affected by loss, long-term illness, or limited mobility this winter
About the Silas Mkoba Foundation
The Silas Mkoba Foundation is a community-based charity supporting individuals and families affected by bereavement, long-term illness, and life-limiting challenges.
Our work is rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a deep understanding of the emotional and practical pressures people face during difficult seasons of life. We work alongside communities and partner organisations to provide support that is dignified, responsive, and centred on human connection.
Winter Companions: Our Winter Pressure Relief Programme
Click below to download the FREE Winter Resource (PDF). Staying Well This Winter – Free Resource 👇
Introduction
Family Recovery Support Referral Form
If you or someone you know is affected by illness, bereavement, long-term hardship, or emotional distress, you can apply for support through our Family Recovery programme.
Download and complete the referral form below.👇
Winter Companions is a seasonal winter pressure relief programme delivered by the Silas Mkoba Foundation to support individuals and families during the colder months.
The programme focuses on reducing isolation, offering practical warmth and wellbeing support, and helping people cope with the increased challenges winter can bring — particularly for those affected by loss, long-term illness, or limited mobility.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
WINTER PRACTICAL RESOURCES PROVIDED (FREE)
(Depending on availability and needs assessment)
✔ Warm blankets
High-quality fleece or thermal blankets for warmth.
✔ Winter hats, gloves, and scarves
Safe and practical winter accessories.
✔ Hot-water bottles and covers
To help maintain warmth safely indoors.
✔ Thermal socks
Especially useful for elderly or housebound individuals.
✔ Tea and soup packs
Simple comfort packs to encourage hydration and warmth.
✔ Basic hygiene items
Small kits including soap, wipes, toothpaste, tissues.
✔ Printed Winter Resource Pack
Your full SMF booklet on emotional, physical, and spiritual winter wellbeing.
✔ Emergency support referrals
When someone needs urgent help beyond our scope
WHAT WE DO NOT PROVIDE
WHAT WE DO NOT PROVIDE (Boundaries)
To avoid confusion and manage expectations, please note that Winter Companions DOES NOT provide:
❌ Medical care
We are not a medical, clinical, or emergency service.
❌ Medication management or physical nursing
We do not handle medicine, injections, or wound care.
❌ Cleaning, cooking, or household chores
We are not a domestic or home-care agency.
❌ Transport or hospital escort services
We may signpost but cannot provide transport.
❌ Financial assistance or cash
We do not handle or give money.
❌ Long-term support
We provide short-term winter wellbeing support and signposting.
❌ Crisis or emergency response
We will refer to NHS 111, 999, or emergency social care if needed.
WHAT WE PROVIDE EXTENTION
Our free support includes:
• Weekly Buddy wellbeing check-in calls
• Winter Wellness & Comfort Packs
• Short peer support visits (where appropriate)
• Family Wellbeing Circles
• NHS winter health guidance and trusted signposting
Who This Programme Is For
Our free support includes:
• Weekly Buddy wellbeing check-in calls
• Winter Wellness & Comfort Packs
• Short peer support visits (where appropriate)
• Family Wellbeing Circles
• NHS winter health guidance and trusted signposting
Why We Do This
The Silas Mkoba Foundation was founded on the lived experience of loss, caregiving, and long-term illness.
Winter Companions reflects our commitment to responding with compassion, dignity, and practical care — ensuring no one feels forgotten during the hardest months of the year.
Working Alongside Others
While Silas Mkoba Foundation delivers the Winter pressure relief program, we are working in partnership with other trusted local partners who share a commitment to winter wellbeing, dignity, and community care.
Through these partnerships, we are able to:
• Extend support to individuals and families with additional needs
• Connect people to specialist or local services where appropriate
• Ensure a joined-up, compassionate response during the winter months
All partnerships are guided by shared values of respect, safeguarding, and person-centred support.
supported through local winter wellbeing initiatives.
We are grateful for collaborative support that helps strengthen community-based responses to winter pressures.
Winter Companions – Staying Well This Winter
Call To Action
Need winter support? We’re here to listen.
Download our free winter wellbeing resource
Staying Well This Winter is a gentle, non-medical guide created to support individuals and families affected by loss, long-term illness, or isolation during the winter months.
The booklet offers reassurance, practical warmth, and trusted signposting alongside NHS care.
