As we think about Christmas plans, I know we are all acutely aware that many are struggling with the cold and concerned about their energy bills and cost of living. As councillors we have a responsibility to support the vulnerable where we can.
At this week’s full Council meeting, one of the things we voted on was a motion to support warm banks and promote them as much as possible. I was proud to vote for this.
The Council has published helpful information about what winter help is available to residents with a network of council and community warm spaces open to welcome residents and vulnerable people in need of extra support. They have published a list of warm spaces throughout the Borough and details of how to access them. No warm space is the same with some offering free hot food, drinks, Wi-FI and device charging. Some offer other services such as debt advice, helping with benefits, energy saving, and support to get online.
In Purley & Woodcote, I am pleased to see the following warm spaces open and thank the amazing staff and volunteers for running these:
- Purley United Reform Church which is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 1.30pm. It will be closed on Christmas Eve, the 27th December and New Year’s Eve. They have toast and fruit at lunch time.
- Purley Library which open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 6pm. It will be closed from Christmas Eve until 2nd January.
Additionally, anyone concerned about not having enough money to heat their home or eat well during this time can find help and support on the Council’s cost of living page and healthy homes page.
So please do use these resources if you need to and as residents, let’s all promote them so we can signpost people in the right direction and ensure people are kept as warm and safe as possible.
