Wiltshire Council warm spaces continue to support those who need them

Sunday, 19 February 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council’s libraries continue to be available for anyone who might need help, support, advice and comfort during the cost-of-living crisis.

All the council’s libraries formally became warm spaces in November 2022 and residents have been welcomed to sit and stay, chat with the staff and volunteers, and connect with others.

In addition, the council has been distributing warm packs to anyone who might need them.

So far, more than 1,000 packs have been provided; each contains a hot water bottle, blanket and thermal mug. The packs will remain available for anyone who needs one until the end of March or while stocks last. Hot drinks and extra activities are also being provided at some libraries, including jigsaws, board games and crafting sessions, book chat groups and coffee and conversation events.

Library staff have also been supporting customers asking for energy advice and have made more than 80 referrals to Warm and Safe Wiltshire and the Rural Communities Energy Support Network. This advice service will continue with the council’s partners for the next two years.

The council also provides a home library service for people who are housebound or struggle to get to a library. Anyone interested in this service should contact their local library.

All the usual library services, including free access to books, newspapers, computers, Wi-Fi and digital support, continue as normal.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Of course we wish in this day and age that such services weren’t needed, but we’re pleased that people have been using our library warm spaces service and hope it’s provided a little bit of peace of mind at a really challenging time.

“The drop-in energy advice service has proved to be really useful for residents, particularly those who are elderly and more vulnerable, so we’ll be continuing with this with our partners for the foreseeable future.

“We know that the challenges residents are facing won’t just disappear when temperatures get warmer so we’ll ensure we continue to do what we can and be there for people as long as it’s needed.”

For more details about any of the council’s services this winter, people should contact their local library, or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk or visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries.

For more information and support on the cost-of-living crisis, people should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living.