29 venues across Sandwell have opened their doors as Warm Spaces to help local residents with energy support over the cold winter months.
19 libraries, three community centres and seven leisure centres are offering a variety of support services, including advice on how to manage bills, information about energy support and signposting to access financial help.
In addition to offering warm and safe spaces, all participating buildings will offer a hot drink as the ability to charge devices and connect digitally.
A spokesperson for Sandwell Council said:
“The cost of living crisis is impacting households across Sandwell, with rising energy, fuel and food prices affecting everyone. With many households having to cut back on essential items or dip into savings to meet rising living costs, the Council is working in partnership with community organisations to make sure everyone has the opportunity to access help when they need it. We want to support those most impacted, including those who have not faced financial challenge before.”
Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “Libraries and community centres have always provided a safe space and warm welcome to our communities. As we enter the winter months, we are taking practical steps to support people in their community who need it the most.
“These include Warm Spaces across all six towns in Sandwell as well other important initiatives that are aimed at both addressing immediate hardship and building longer-term financial resilience and wellbeing.
“We know how much people are already struggling with rising energy prices and this network of Warm Spaces is just a part of our response.
“We saw the response from our community throughout the pandemic, as local groups stepped up to support those in need of help and know that we can maximise our impact by working in partnership with our local voluntary and faith organisations. We have launched a small grant programme, to enable them to open up their buildings through the winter.”
A full list of the Warm Space venues in Sandwell can be found here > https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/supportingsandwell