Royal Borough to offer warm, safe spaces for residents this winter

ALL AREAS: A network of safe, warm spaces will be open across the borough this winter for people in need during the cost-ofliving crisis.

Windsor and Maidenhead council says its libraries are safe places for the community and residents are being urged to use the venues during opening hours if they need support on how to pay their bills.

A number of partner organisations are also offering places of sanctuary for residents and a map of these can be found at www.rbwm.gov.uk/here-to-help.

The local authority launched its ‘Here to Help’ campaign earlier this year with the aim of offering advice on issues including rent, council tax, school meals and benefits.

Residents can either visit the online help page or call the council directly on 01628 683800 to see what help might be available.

Council leader Andrew

Johnson said: “Libraries have long served as safe places for the most vulnerable, and as part of an emerging network of venues from our community partners, they offer a safety net for those in need, somewhere to get advice and signposting to vital help, to ensure you can maintain your tenancy, stay warm at home and feed your family.”

He added: “Many households in the UK are feeling the pinch right now, and some of our residents will worry about energy costs as they start to turn on their heating for the winter.

“We know this is going to be a challenging winter, and we want to ensure that everyone across our community has the financial resilience to cope.

“Since we launched ‘Here to Help’ back in May, the local and national support offer for cost of living has continued to grow.

“So if you’re struggling financially and facing difficult decisions then please seek help before you reach crisis point.

“Check the webpage, contact us, your landlord and energy supplier to see what might be available to you.”

The council’s Here to Help campaign is run with a range of organisations including social landlords Abri and Housing Solutions.

Voluntary sector groups across the borough, including Maidenhead Foodshare, are also working in partnership with the council.