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'Warm Hubs' Now Available in Chester as a Result of Cost of Living Crisis

Rev. Andrew Glover and 'Warm Hub' project coordinator Abi Lycett of the Crossroads Community Hub. 

The Cheshire West and Chester council has joined the national 'Warm Welcome' campaign in establishing designated 'Warm Hubs' across the county for members of the public seeking shelter from the cold amid surging energy prices.

As temperatures fall below zero and the cost of living continues to exceed household budgets, many can no longer afford to heat their homes through the winter. This year alone, the energy bill price cap has risen three separate times with a further increase of 20% announced for April 2023.

The Warm Welcome campaign aims to give those who struggle to pay their bills a space to escape the cold and currently provides over 3000 Warm Spaces nationally. In Chester this includes council-owned venues such as public libraries, Brio Leisure and the Grosvenor Museum, as well as many other independently registered spaces in the surrounding area such as: Storyhouse, St Peters Church and the Crossroads Community Hub.

Matt Bryan, CWaC cabinet member for housing and planning said, "We are aware of just how much people have been struggling recently, moving into December the warm hubs are a small yet integral part of our response.

The Council is determined and committed to supporting residents through this period and will continue to work with the community sector and volunteers to provide any support possible." 

On their website, the council also states that they are currently "exploring opportunities to expand the network, and provide services to support people using the Warm Welcome Spaces." and encourages any organisation or business interested in getting involved with the campaign to contact them and register as a Warm Space.

To learn more about the Warm Welcome campaign, visit: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/

To register as a Warm Hub with the CWaC, visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing-benefit-council-tax/cost-of-living-support/warm-welcoming-spaces


Listen to the full interview with Rev. Andrew Glover and Abi Lycett here:


                                                  All use of stock video is not my own and was gathered from Pexels.com

 

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