Warm Welcome locations have been opened around West Lothian, where people can “heat, meet and greet.”
The locations provide people with a place to visit, socialise, stay warm and access services this winter.
Some are provided by West Lothian Council but many are provided by voluntary organisations.
An online map of the Warm Welcome locations has been created and is available via the council’s Help With Costs online HUB which provides people in West Lothian with cost-of-living advice.
The council’s Help With Cost initiative aims to highlight the advice and information that is available on key areas such as energy use, benefits, financial support and help with school costs.
The hub contains practical advice on what help may be available and is packed full of practical advice on ways to save on energy costs.
Nahid Hanif, the council’s Anti-Poverty manager said: “Warm locations may differ in terms of the services on offer and the times that they are open, but they all provide somewhere for local people to go to, where they will receive support, warmth and a friendly face.
“The cost-of-living crisis is very serious and it is important that vulnerable people know support is out there. Certainly, the council’s own venues, such as libraries and Partnership centres, are open for long periods of time during the day and it may be that a visit to these venues, even for an hour or so a day, helps an or group of friends a little. Thinking about what these venues can provide is important, especially if you are struggling to cope with energy bills.”
People are advised to please check opening times before travelling to any location.
If you are local voluntary organisation and are providing warm and welcoming support for people this winter, please email warmwelcomelocations@westlothian.gov.uk if you want your location added to the online map.
The hub locations can be found at: www.westlothian.gov.uk/warm-welcome
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