“Suffolk Winter Warmth” provides items such as hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, duvets, baby sleep bags, hot water bottles, LED bulbs, draughtproofing and more, to households in need.
Following a successful pilot in November, Suffolk Winter Warmth launched this week. The project provides support for any household experiencing hardship and in need of support to prevent ill health and keep warm. Residents can be referred by professional or voluntary sector organisations supporting residents who are struggling to heat their homes. These organisations include: District and Borough Councils, Health Professionals, Citizens Advice and Community Groups, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Rural Coffee Caravan and more.
The project is backed by £50,000 of funding from Suffolk’s Collaborative Communities Board and is co-ordinated on behalf of the whole county by East Suffolk Council.
Professional and voluntary organisations can refer residents to the scheme by visiting: Winter warmth referral » East Suffolk Council.
Cllr Bobby Bennett, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for Equality and Communities, said: “With the weather turning colder and heating bills rising, we know that many may need additional support to heat their homes this winter.
“Suffolk Winter Warmth will provide vital support to families in need of a little extra help to keep warm and avoid ill health. If you are struggling, please reach out. Information can be found on your local Council website.”
There are also more than 250 voluntary warm spaces across Suffolk, where residents can meet up with members of the community in a warm, safe space, at no charge. A map of warm spaces in Suffolk can be found on the Rural Coffee Caravan website: https://ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/map/
Alongside this, all Suffolk Libraries will act as warm, safe spaces this winter. Information and opening times for Suffolk Libraries can be found at https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/
If your community would like to set up its own Warm Space to support local residents this winter, guidance is available from Rural Coffee Caravan and Community Action Suffolk at: https://ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/winter-warmth/#warmspaces
Further details of cost of living support available for Suffolk residents and organisations can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/costofliving
