Warm banks are places where people who are unable to afford warmth and food in the colder months of the year.
Residents across Liverpool and Merseyside are facing a difficult winter as energy bills and the cost of living soar. The warm hubs around the region are being put in place to provide support to those who might be struggling.
Liverpool City Council has held an emergency meeting to plan for the growing crisis, including the proposed introduction of warm hubs to help residents.
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Community buildings, such as council buildings, libraries, art galleries, community centres and places of worship will all be utilised as a part of the plan.
At the warm hubs, people will have access to things like food and warm drinks, WiFi and computer usage, as well as benefits and housing advice are provided if people need it.
Where to find a warm hub in Liverpool
Whilst Liverpool City Council are yet to release an official list of places for people to go, they have announced that the Central Library and 14 Community Libraries across the city will offer a warm space with free access to books and WiFi.
Additionally, around 40 Catholic social clubs in the Archdiocese of Liverpool will be opening their doors to those who are looking for support, providing free tea, coffee and biscuits with access to TV and WiFi. The parish centres will be available during the winter months from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm on various days. A full list of clubs and opening times can be found here.
Where to find a warm hub in Wirral
Wirral Council announced their Warm Hubs initiative in August, and nine venues are now offering spaces to keep warm across the region through a mix of community and church groups. These warm hubs are all on the east side of the Wirral in Moreton, New Brighton, Beechwood, Seacombe, New Ferry, and four in Birkenhead.
For a full list of the warm hub services in Wirral, including the Salvation Army and Christ the King Church in Birkenhead, look here.
Where to find a warm hub in Sefton
Sefton Council has confirmed that it has started offering spaces where people can gather to get warm. Sefton Warm Spaces, which included libraries, community centre, luncheon clubs, charities and places of worship will now be open to all.
All of the available spaces will be heated, friendly places where people can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others. Some venues, including their ‘Enhanced’ warm spaces, will also offer hot drinks and food, activities, and other services such as free WiFi.
For more information on the initiative, click here.
Where to find a warm hub in Knowsley
Knowsley Council’s warm hubs can be found at local libraries from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and 10.00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. The locations of Knowsley libraries open to anyone who wants to come in, keep warm and make use of the facilities are: Prescot Library in the Prescot Centre on Aspinall Street; Halewood Library on Rosheath Drive; Huyton Library on Civic Way; and Stockbridge Library at the Withens.
The council are also encouraging community groups who want to extend their opening hours to provide Warm Hubs to apply for a Winter Wellness Grant.
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