Brightlingsea residents who may be struggling with the cost of heating are being offered a warm welcome in St James’ Church from next week (November 2).
The church’s Warm Wednesday initiative will see the building’s heating on from 9am to 4.30pm every Wednesday. The church will be open to all and visitors are encouraged to bring knitting, puzzles, board games, etc. Tea and coffee will be available for 60p per cup.
On November 16, Community Volunteer Services Tendring are holding a Winter Safety Open Day in the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, from 10am – 12.30pm.
The event will feature advice on age related issues from Age Concern, smoke alarm information from Essex Fire and Rescue and tips on safety from Essex Police. Free winter packs will be available for those who feel the cold.
• Essex County Council is offering community groups, parish and town councils across the county to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help them provide warm spaces for residents this winter.
The council’s £100,000 Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund aims to support safe spaces which are free to the Essex public this winter.
Grants can be used by groups for things like equipment to run new activities, venue or catering costs, operational costs including utilities, and staff or volunteer expenditure.
To find out more or apply, visit https://ealc.gov.uk/winter-warmth-and-welcome-spaces-fund/.
