This is the message from Suffolk's social care services teams as temperatures continue to remain low and look set to stay that way until the weekend. Local people Suffolk are being asked to keep an eye out during the cold winter period for elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

Classic signs that someone is in difficulties are mail or newspapers hanging out of the letterbox, milk bottles left on the doorstep uncollected and curtains remaining closed throughout the day. If you have any concerns at all about an elderly or vulnerable person living nearby, please knock on the door to check they are alright.

If it snows, check if older people can get to the shops and have what they need in the house. Encourage people to use their heating, drop in some essential supplies or extra blankets if you can, and make sure that driveways and steps are ice free. If you have serious concerns, contact the emergency services

The cold weather can also heighten feelings of isolation for many people who live alone, so do encourage those who live alone to contact an organisation such as Age Concern if they feel they would like to talk to someone.

Age Concern runs a number of befriending services, both face to face and via the phone. Many community organisations will be making an extra effort to reach out to people who are alone and vulnerable over the winter period. Do encourage people to find out what's on offer - or find out yourself.

Cllr Graham Newman, portfolio holder for Adult and Community Services, said: "The winter period can be difficult for older, vulnerable and lonely people. So please keep an eye out for them, help out with small jobs if you can, make sure they are not lonely. We can make an important difference by taking the time to look out for those who most need our help.