CAPTION: The pack includes thermal hats and gloves and a blanket and flask
Transforming Plymouth Together Gets 750 Requests for Winter Warm Packs for People Struggling to Heat Homes
Transforming Plymouth Together has had 750 requests for Winter Warm Packs to give to people who are struggling to heat their homes this winter.
The charity, which is a joint Diocese of Exeter and Church Urban Fund project, decided to create the warm packs for people who would find it difficult to travel to a church or community ‘warm space’ because of transport or mobility issues or mental health reasons.
Each pack costs £25 to put together and includes: a Hot Water Bottle, a Thermos style flask, a fleece Blanket, a thermal hat, thermal gloves, thermal socks, a fleece scarf, instant soup, a TPT ‘Energy & Money Saving Ideas’ booklet (including ‘no cook’, kettle-only and microwave cooking recipes), plus local financial & energy support signposting.
Some of the team from TPT putting the Warm Packs together
The charity is asking individuals and churches to sponsor a pack to help meet the cost.
It is also working with more than 30 Plymouth churches which are opening their doors as part of the national Warm Welcome initiative to offer warm spaces, hot food, device charging points and more.
Ayshea Cross, Strategic Lead Officer for TPT, said “A recent Public Health England report into Fuel Poverty and Cold Home Related Health Problems identified the detrimental impact on our health if we don’t have access to warm homes due to fuel poverty.
The Bishop of Plymouth with Sarah Goode from TPT
“For some people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, visiting an unfamiliar building to spend time with strangers is just not possible, despite the lack of heat at home.
“AGE UK has also reported on The Cost of Cold for their elderly clients, many of whom are housebound or lack support to travel to a warm space.
“By providing the packs via organisations already engaged with people identified at risk this winter there is also an opportunity to visit and offer a connection which can then be built upon.
“So far over 750 requests for these packs have been made, in addition to 250 packs which were distributed at the start of autumn.”
