Families across the UK are "scared" as the winter months bring uncertainty and financial hardship.
'Warm hubs' have become a life-line for residents across Knowsley as the cost of living increases and many families find themselves struggling financially and emotionally. For one woman, without this opportunity, she could "go weeks without seeing or speaking" to anyone.
Earlier this month, Knowsley Council announced it would be implementing a number of ‘warm hubs’ to help those concerned about the cost of living crisis. All libraries in the borough will be open six days a week from November 1.
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But Halewood Town Council, with partners, have also launched a 'warm hubs' service for each weekday, allowing residents a 'safe space' to socialise and take part in activities. The service, in place for winter, has already become a "lifeline" to some.
One woman, who has recently moved to Halewood, lost her husband just before the pandemic and said things have been on a downward spiral since. She told the ECHO: "My husband became ill and I gave up work to look after him but he died and then covid hit. I lost my job, my finances, my husband and it couldn't get any lower until I was isolated away, bound to the house. It's lonely.
"But because we lived in a large house, I had to move to a smaller home in a new area I don't know. I'm 65 and worked all my life so I'm not entitled to claim any benefits until I'm 66 so I'm living off my husband's pension which is buttons.
"Every day is just a struggle and I'm scared. I don't know what to do. It's cold enough as it is now but I can't put the heating on because the bills are so high already."
Speaking to the worried resident at a warm hub on a Monday afternoon, she added: "These hubs, it's like one big family, you get to know people, you feel safe. If I wasn't here now, I'd be sitting at home wrapped up in a blanket, stressing, cold and panicking.
"I feel like we are going back to after the war. I won't cook a meal, I will live on sandwiches. These warm hubs aren't just a place to come for warmth, it's also my mental health.
"There's somewhere I can go. Something that makes me put my shoes on and get me out of that door which is so important. Otherwise I can go weeks without talking to someone. It must be costly to put them on but I'm so grateful."
The warm hubs are open two hours a day at various locations in Halewood. Other town councils in Knowsley are also implementing similar schemes, all to help those needing it the most.
Paul McDermott in Halewood says he is "getting by" financially, but worries for his daughter who is "struggling to get a job" as he doesn't want her to "suffer". Mums Lol and Angie, who attended the pumpkin carving activities, told the ECHO: "Prices have gone up so much, even your shopping.
"In the summer holidays we were here every day with trips paid for, otherwise we would've been stuck. You can't go anywhere now. Things like this are great for us all to get together as well, doing more with the kids. My electricity is ridiculous, I did a roast last week and used £8.50 that day. It is worrying."
But as organisations aim to break down the "stigma" attached to families coming forward for help, Halewood Town Council wants partners to work together to provide that support, doing what's best for residents. Town centre manager Gerry Allen said they knew "instinctively" there would be a demand for services like the warm hubs.
As community grant requests come in for help in addressing issues over food poverty, Gerry said it "wouldn't be surprising if we got more" as food inflation raises over 14%. He added schemes such as these are about helping families build resilience as "we don't know what's around the corner".
Community projects officer Lynn O'Keeffe added that as we head into winter, people will realise the increase in their bills and will be "scared" as they want people to "get used to coming before it gets to that stage". She said: "This is something should never need to do but we have to, that's where we are, we have to provide what's needed."
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