AS people throughout the UK become ever closer to not being able to heat their homes amidst rising energy costs, 'warm banks' are being set up throughout the country. 

According to recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), almost half of UK adults who pay energy bills have said they are struggling to afford them.

As a result, councils, NHS services and charities across the country are paving the way to offer a space where people can come in for a heat and a cup of tea - taking advantage of a warm environment on offer without having to turn on their heating. 

 

Plans are in motion to provide 'warm banks' as a space for Carlisle residents. 

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Carlisle Matters, a charity which has a network of 12 community centres in Carlisle (including Brampton and Longtown), have applied for funding to offer their spaces as potential 'warm banks'. 

Manager of Botcherby Community Centre, Helen Fisher, said: "Carlisle Matters are looking for funding to enable us to provide warm spaces around the city. Funding dependent, we would offer breakfast and light lunch for people in a warm space five days a week. People will be able to charge their phones, get a bite and a heat and we would also aim to provide a bit of advice in terms of energy and benefits advice." 

Another charity, Carlisle Community Help, are offering a community cafe on a Friday at their Brampton site, where people can come in for a cup of tea and enjoy the warm space - in exchange for a small donation. 

Carlisle City Council’s Labour group leader, Lisa Brown, who also set up the charity, said however: "Obviously for the elderly (warm banks) are fantastic, but there will be working people who can't turn the heating on a night. 

"Where people need that support most is at nighttime, lots of people are at work during the day and none of these spaces will be open come the evening. 

"We can't fit community help round 9-5 opening community centres, people need support 24 hours a day.  If you're homeless, you're homeless seven days a week - not just during office hours. 

"It should be about helping people when they need it, not when we think  they need it," she said. 

News and Star: Winter Harvest Event PosterWinter Harvest Event Poster (Image: a)

Botcherby Community Centre will be hosting a Winter Harvest event on October 5, which is free to come along and aims to provide the community with information on help available to carry families through what will ultimately be a difficult winter period. 

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