A programme of winter events and activities in warm spaces has been launched to help people in West Dunbartonshire struggling with soaring energy bills.
The Winter in West Dunbartonshire programme has been pulled together by the local authority to ensure that any resident who wants to keep warm this winter can make use of the buildings open throughout the day, enjoy activities and access support.
Included are family friendly clubs, art and crafts, IT courses and book discussions.
The activities are mainly taking place at libraries across the area.
The Lennox Herald reported in September how the Labour administration put forward ideas for warmth centres at public venues.
Councillor Michelle McGinty, chair of the council’s cross-party cost of living working group, said: “We know that our residents are already worrying about the impact rising energy costs will have on them and whether they will be able to heat their homes this winter.
“Our priority is to ensure that we do all we can to help people to stay warm in their own homes, and our range of initiatives through the Cost of Living Fund will go some way towards this.
“It is also important that we ensure that residents are aware that we offer a large network of welcoming spaces which provide activities as well as a warm space to be with free tea and coffee provided across our library network.
“These warm hubs are open throughout the year, but will be extremely valuable for our most vulnerable during the winter months.”
In June, the council announced projects aimed at reducing the impact of soaring prices on residents, including a £1million Cost of Living Fund, a £250,000 Energy Fund and £1000 a week additional funding for local foodbanks.
A number of warm hubs have been launched across the area in a bid to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
St Augustine’s Church and St Patrick’s Church, which are within five minutes of each other, are both running warm-hubs for locals struggling with paying their energy bills.
Meanwhile, Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) is keeping up to 37 people warm a day after opening its doors.
The charity decided to step up after staff noticed people were hanging around longer to avoid going back to cold houses.
Councillor Clare Steel, vice chair, added: “Supporting our communities is always our priority and that is why, during this cost of living crisis, we are taking urgent, and tangible action to ensure that our residents are supported.
“No person should have to choose between heating and eating, and making use of these warmth network buildings will help to lower the cost of energy bills. Residents can attend for activities at these locations without any need to discuss their personal circumstances, which will help reduce the stigma that often exists around poverty and asking for support.”
More information, including a regularly updated list of activities and events, is available via the Winter in West Dunbartonshire section of the council’s website.
