Posted on Thursday 24th November 2022
Residents worried about the cost of heating their homes are being offered a warm welcome this winter at community churches.
Rising Brook Community Church in Stafford is offering places for people who are struggling to heat their homes to come together.
As well as offering warmth, a comfortable place to relax and a friendly welcome, visitors can also access information on benefits and debt management where needed.
Liz Dipple, Chaplaincy Director, said:
“I think, socially, it’s really helping people to meet others and feel less alone and isolated at home in the midst of the troubling times people are facing.
We are open from 10am-3pm, every Monday to Friday. Anyone can drop-in and keep warm.
We offer a nice cup of tea or coffee and soup at lunch. We also have a food bank operating from within the Warm Space at Rising Brook and Elevate.”
Rising Brook Community Church is offering the same welcome at its sister locations at:
- Create Community Church, Huntington;
- Crossing Community Centre, Stone;
- Elevate Community Centre, Stafford.
Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Communities and Culture, is leading the authority’s Here to Help initiative supporting residents through the winter.
She said:
“We know many people and families across Staffordshire are struggling to pay to heat their homes this winter.
This is a great example of a local community coming together to support residents during these challenging times.
You can see what a difference it makes to sit somewhere warm and chat to other people.
Whether people need advice and assistance with rising energy costs or a warm place to meet others over a hot drink – lots of support is available either from the council or local community groups like Rising Brook Community Church.”
People can find further support for the cost of living at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/heretohelp, which covers issues including managing debt, paying bills, food and essentials, staying warm and helping others.