Warm Banks roll out across Whitstable

As the cold winter draws in and people begin to worry about the rising cost of heating their homes a network of local charities and churches has set up a rota of warm spaces in our town. Operation Warm Welcome is being co-ordinated by local Labour councillor Chris Cornell and nine organisations including Whitstable Tesco, the Waterloo Centre, Labour Club and a number of prominent churches.

“This cost of living crisis is hitting so many who haven’t struggled before” says Jackie Cross, Chair of the Whitstable Labour Club, “we understand how difficult it is for some people to ask for help and as such each venue is doing things slightly differently in order to appeal to as many people as possible.”

With this in mind some venues are offering bingo and board games alongside a safe, staffed and warm places every morning and afternoon in the week. The Wednesday evening sessions run by Whitstable United Reformed Church and Whitstable Community Church are offering a hot evening meal and homework support to attract young families.

“The generosity of local people at this time has been heartwarming” said Cllr Cornell who is co-ordinating the scheme. “Heating these buildings is costing local churches and venues money many of them don’t have but everyone should know they are not alone. This week I spoke with a support worker looking after an elderly gentleman who’s taken to sitting in his living room under blankets because he’s worried about switching on the radiators. He’s refusing electric heaters or blankets because he doesn’t think he can afford them”.

Rev Alan Mitchell from the Harbour Church runs a session on Friday afternoon said “collectively we stand ready to help and show that Whitstable Cares.” You can find a full list of venues online at www.whitstablecares.co.uk and below.

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