Keep Warm Keep Well is a new campaign to support people across Pembrokeshire during the cost of living crisis.

The campaign is being led by the Pembrokeshire Community Hub in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services and a variety of agencies including Hywel Dda Health Board, Emergency Services and the Voluntary Sector.

The cost of living crisis affects everyone and it is a worrying and uncertain time for so many people. Therefore, work is taking place to connect people to local information, support and services over the coldest months of the year.

Across Pembrokeshire we are already seeing communities and organisations doing a fantastic job responding to the crisis offering a range of local solutions including hot meals and community activities, plus energy, money and debt advice.

If you or people you know are experiencing financial hardship or would like information about what support is available in your area, you can get in contact with the Pembrokeshire Community Hub.

They can talk to you about your situation and put you in touch with the right community group or service – as there is a lot of help available both in Pembrokeshire and across Wales. They have also created an online one-stop-shop through the Connect Pembrokeshire website at www.connectpembrokeshire.org.uk which has lots of useful information and an interactive map of Warm Welcome spaces across the county.

Welcome Warm spaces offer welcoming places where people can meet with others in their local community and take part in a range of activities. 

Lee Hind Manager of the Pembrokeshire Community Hub said: “If you are worried about making your money stretch and how you are going to pay for essential bills over the winter, we’d really encourage you to get in contact with the Pembrokeshire Community Hub. No-one should feel uncomfortable about getting in touch and we have a really friendly team who can chat to you about some of the fantastic community support that is local to you.

“We have an easy ‘one call that’s all’ approach, call 01437 723660, or you can email [email protected]. We are also recruiting community volunteers to ensure no-one goes cold or hungry this winter – if you have a spare hour or two, please call us.”

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Service at Pembrokeshire County Council said: “With the weather starting to get colder as we approach winter we are keen to ensure that everyone knows where they can go in their local community to find a warm space and a warm welcome.

“We’re working with our local partners, building on the great work we did during the pandemic, to create a network of Warm Welcome Community Spaces where people can come together, enjoy some company and get involved in local activities. From libraries and leisure centres to community halls and sports clubs, everyone is welcome and visiting is free.

“I’d encourage everyone to have a look at the new interactive map or get in touch with the Community Hub to find out what is going on in their community.

“Together we will make a positive difference to our local communities and help residents during this crisis.”

Through Welsh Government funding being made available by Pembrokeshire County Council, the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign is making money available to organisations offering information and advice, support for individuals with fuel costs, extra funding to support demands on food banks, pet food banks, emergency keep warm packs and support for individuals who are experiencing data poverty.

Organisations are also invited to apply for a Warm Welcome grant offer of revenue and capital grants of up to £3,500 to constituted voluntary and community groups – and Town and Community Councils. You can call the Pembrokeshire Community Hub for more information.

Pembrokeshire County Council is also making separate grants available to community organisations and groups who are part of the Pembrokeshire Food Poverty Network. Additional support is provided through the Pembrokeshire Community Support Network as an opportunity for communities and volunteers to access support from each other via www.facebook.com/groups/2895034667221453/

Published: 07/11/2022