More than 22,000 visits were recorded at the borough’s six warm hubs during the winter months, where staff served up hundreds of cups of tea, coffee, and healthy snacks daily, to provide a helping hand as the cost of living crisis continues.
Warm hubs have been used by councils across the UK to help those impacted by the rising cost of living to access warm, safe and comfortable environments in their communities - especially during periods of extreme cold weather.
Visitors also used the hubs to tackle loneliness by connecting with others, and to get additional support as well as information on advice services that could offer long term help.
The council in partnership with Tower Hamlets Volunteer Centre provided 89 hours of volunteer support and 750 energy packs were distributed to residents.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said:
“In these tough times, it is encouraging to see that so many residents have benefitted from our warm hubs. Warm hub visitors were able to save money on their energy bills, enjoy healthy snacks, hot drinks, and connect with others during the winter months which can be lonely and isolating for some.”
Cllr Saied Ahmed, cabinet member for Resources and Cost of Living added:
“Warm hubs are just one of the many schemes the council has implemented to help people through the cost of living crisis."
So far, the council has spent more than £7million on a cost-of-living package with support from the UK Government’s Household Support Scheme, including direct cash payments to residents. We have also spent a further £5.7m to become the first local authority in England to offer universal free school meals to both primary and secondary school children.
An additional £1.1million has been invested to support young people who want to continue education after 16 with the re-introduction of the Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursaries.”
The Cost of Living Help page contains information on financial support as well as help with issues around food, energy, employment, debt, and health.
Posted on Tuesday 16th May 2023