People who are struggling to heat their homes are being encouraged to take refuge in Leicester’s libraries for warmth this winter, as the energy crisis continues to hit.
All 16 of Leicester’s libraries will be acting as ‘warm spaces,’ where people are welcome to gather and spend time in the warmth without having to put their heating on at home this winter.
As well as offering warmth and a comfortable place to relax, the venues will be providing practical advice, the chance to learn new money-saving skills, take part in gentle exercise and socialise.
The offer comes from Leicester City Council, who have registered the buildings with the national warm welcome.uk website. This will aim to log all buildings up and down the country where people can go to keep warm during the energy crisis.
“We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone during this awful cost of living and energy crisis,” said councillor Vi Dempster, assistant Leicester City Mayor for neighbourhoods and public health.
“It’s a situation likely to particularly hit the most vulnerable members of our society, and we are determined to help.
“We will offer a warm welcome to everyone in the heart of our neighbourhoods, bringing together specialists from across the council to offer expert advice and help, so that people can not only get warmth but also learn new skills and find out more about the support that is available to them.”
As part of its Warm Welcome, Leicester City Council will also offer free workshops on keeping your home warm, sew to save, and how to shop, cook and eat smart.
Residents will be able to make a draught excluder as part of the programme, as well as learn how to make small repairs to clothes so that they can last for longer.
The help is being given as households across the UK are facing huge cost-of-living pressures, with inflation close to a 40-year high.
Across Leicestershire, an extra £3.6m of Government cash is enabling the county council to step up the support it’s providing this winter as cost of living continues to bite.
Under proposals published on Monday (17 Oct), the money will be used to offer £1.5m emergency food and fuel support – triple the amount allocated last year – and will ensure 14,000 children across the county have free school meal vouchers during the Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays.
Anyone who is facing crisis because of rising fuel and living costs can email the council at c19support@leicester.gov.uk
To find out more, about the ‘Warm Welcome’ scheme, visit: https://www.leicester.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/our-responsibility-for-public-health/bringing-people-together/
