MELKSHAM residents can still get support with the cost-of-living crisis, with several venues remaining open as warm spaces, providing warmth, energy saving tips and ideas to heat homes.
Melksham Library at the Community Campus has been one of the warm spaces in the town, as part of a Wiltshire wide initiative for all libraries in the county to provide somewhere warm and offer warm packs of items such as blankets, insulated mugs and hot water bottles.
Leader of Wiltshire Council cllr Richard Clewer, said, “Throughout the winter months Wiltshire libraries have been providing a warm welcome to all visitors as part of the warm space offer co-ordinated by Wiltshire Council and partner organisations to support people during the cost-of-living crisis, particularly during the colder weather.
“Libraries have always offered a warm space accessible to all, but this winter with government funding from the Household Support Fund, all Wiltshire libraries have also been providing warm-packs containing a blanket, hot water bottle and insulated mug to anyone who needs them to help with keeping warm at home.
“Melksham Library has seen a strong response to the warm packs with more than 80 handed out to people visiting the library in the Community Campus. Melksham residents have responded very positively to this free offer, with many commenting how it will help them keep warm at a time when they may not be able to heat their home at all times.
“Library staff are also on hand to help people access advice and support to keep their homes warm and save money, through energy saving tips and information for free from partner organisations such as Warm and Safe Wiltshire and the Rural Communities Energy Support Network.”
Melksham Town Hall is also a warm space, a spokesperson from the town council said, “Everyone continues to be welcome in the town hall, particularly if they need somewhere warm to be. There hasn’t been much uptake over the last few months but we are keeping our doors open.”
Other support includes:
- Free slow cookers that are being distributed at the Melksham Food Bank;
- Electric blankets from Melksham Free Dining
- The Community Larder at the Round House continuing to give away surplus food supplies. The larder has now also opened as a Community Wardrobe, stocking warm clothes for those who are struggling.
- To help with warm spaces residents can apply for a £200 Surviving Winter Grant from Age UK Wiltshire. To be eligible residents much be over state pension age; receive a means-tested benefit or have annual income below £16,996 (single person household) / £26,113 (other households); worried about the cost of heating.
For more information, ring Age UK Wiltshire on 0808 196 2424.
- Age UK Wiltshire can also advise about other benefits and schemes.
- In addition, if anyone is in receipt of the government’s Winter Fuel Allowance and feels that they don’t need it, it can be donated to fund more of these grants, directing the funds to those who need it most.
- Energy advice sessions have also been held across the town, delivered by Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy. See story page 19.