A network of "warm rooms" will be available for people in the winter months. Mansfield District Council has been working with various community groups to ensure that they can offer anyone who is struggling to heat their homes a warm welcome.
Due to the current cost of living crisis, many families are struggling to keep their homes warm. This project is part of the council's response, after it declares a Cost of Living Emergency in September 2022.
The organisations and providers of these rooms, which usually host community events like coffee mornings and supports groups, were happy to be part of the warm rooms scheme, which will help people across the district. Warm rooms are also being set up in some of the council's buildings, including the Oak Tree Leisure Centre and the museum.
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Councillor Marion Bradshaw, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Housing and Wellbeing, said: "We don't want to see anyone suffering unnecessarily in this district because they can't afford to turn on their heating. These spaces will enable anyone who is feeling cold to come and have a cup of tea and warm up for a couple of hours.
"Many are offering free refreshments or the chance to have a chat, watch TV, read or play board games. Our partners will also be using the Warm Rooms as somewhere people can get advice and support around the cost of living.”
To bring various agencies and organisations together to form a co-ordinated response, Mansfield District Council held a Cost of Living Summit and has also completed a series of Cost of Living Roadshows to help signpost those struggling with bills and debts to where they can find support. The Warm Rooms scheme will be running from November, and it will be reviewed throughout the winter until March.
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