Affordable Warmth, a citywide initiative to help residents with the cost of living this winter, will begin from Thursday 2 January 2025.
The three-month initiative, which has seen 28 voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations receive funding, means more than 30 warm space venues will be open across Hull.
This is in addition to the Warm Spaces already running in Hull Libraries.
Backed by £170,000 of funding, the projects will continue until Monday 31 March 2025.
The bulk of the funding comes from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund, which has been locally allocated by Hull City Council to support residents to access affordable warmth. This has been generously topped-up by local business Ideal Heating.
Each grant will enable VCS organisations to provide support to Hull residents to manage their household expenditure on energy and cope with the cost of living.
This includes the offer of free, impartial energy advice or money advice to help households save energy in the home, reduce bills and access other services.
Cllr Jack Haines, portfolio holder for communities at the council, said: “Energy costs are always a real worry for residents in Hull as they attempt to tackle the cost of living crisis.
“The council is committed to helping its residents most in need. By working with local voluntary and community sector organisations we can reach residents directly in their own localities and through the groups they know and trust.”
Examples of projects funded include:
• Neighbourhood Network based at the Alf Marshall Centre on Bransholme will be providing wellbeing opportunities along with offering energy advice and support, all delivered within a warm space
• TimeBank Hull and East Riding at Marfleet Community Centre will be providing Money Matters advice and offering community cooking sessions to show cheaper ways to prepare healthy meals
• Hessle Road Network in west Hull will be delivering activities and support to help participants save money, including by reducing energy costs. Items such as blankets, heaters, energy-saving lightbulbs, and warm clothing will be distributed
You can find out more about help you can get to cost-effectively heat you home and see a full list of Affordable Warmth venues here . Learn more about support through the cost of living crisis here. Find more information on the facilities available in Hull libraries and their opening hours here.
