By Council advances plans to create warm spaces this winter
Plans to set up warm spaces across North East Lincolnshire are being made as people look at ways to support each other this winter.
North East Lincolnshire Council alongside Sector Support NEL Partnership is asking organisations that are planning warm space activities to get in touch so they can facilitate a warm spaces support network.
They hope this will inform communities what is going on and look at what other help may be available if various groups and organisations work together.
Warm banks are already being established across the area as locals struggle to pay their energy bills this autumn winter, with many worried they will have to choose between heating their home and buying food.
Recently, Sector Support NEL Partnership sent out an initial questionnaire to voluntary and community organisations in the borough. It asked if any had plans for warm spaces, or other activities during this winter – and the organisation is now asking others to complete the questionnaire, as it has been re-issued.
Sector Support Delivery Manager in North East Lincolnshire, Claire Etheridge, said how the survey had already seen organisations – from church and community groups to sports clubs – register with them to say they were either firming up plans, or interested in joining forces to provide safe and warm spaces.
“There is a real interest in finding ways to help people in need over the coming months. What we want to do is get a real overview of what is happening right across the Borough. This will then make sure we can unite services that are running and help get the messages across about what is available and when,” said Claire.
“We are still collecting information and would love to hear from anyone else who is planning anything,” she added.
A council spokesperson previously said: “North East Lincolnshire Council is in discussions with a network of community and partner organisations and will do all it can to support such groups in their plans for Warm Banks, along with other measures to assist our residents through the on-coming winter.
“For those who do not know the Council has a team, managed by its partner Equans, which offers information and advice on grants that may be available to residents and their eligibility. People should call 01472 326296 (Option 5) for more information.
“People who require particular help or support are also asked to contact ConnectNEL https://connectnel.com/ or phone 01472 403403. This is a 24-hour confidential helpline for people in North East Lincolnshire, which offers advice and information for those in any kind of need – signposting them to the help they need.”
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