Winter in the City launches to help residents effected by the Cost of Living crisis

Westminster City Council is launching its Winter in the City programme to help residents effected by the Cost of Living crisis during the colder months. This year’s programme brings together food, energy and advice support with existing venues that offer free, warm spaces for people to socialise in, take part in activities and get a hot meal or drink over the winter.

The council is encouraging older people to register for the national Pension Credit scheme and are working with AgeUK to provide specialist help and advice on issues such as heating.

Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said:

I am proud that the Council is once again able to launch Winter in the City, our comprehensive package of measures designed to help residents through months when temperatures drop and heating bills rise.

“This year the emphasis is on support for older people, and we are funding legal advice for our older residents through AgeUK on issues like help with heating costs.  

Across Westminster, we are doing what we can to help a range of people struggling with costs – whether that is through our network of food pantries or a range of free (and warm) activities. For example, at North Paddington Food Bank there is a weekly meal for older residents; an “everybody eats” session each lunchtime and table tennis in the afternoon.  At Westbourne Park Baptist Church there is the “Warm Welcome” café with hot drinks and the chance to talk to other local people,  Similarly, the popular Abbey Centre is offering a range of social activities in warm and welcoming surroundings.

In addition to offering help with food shopping costs, we are also supporting energy and advice services, for example through well known names like the Home Energy Advice Service. A range of information on help available can be found at our two mini-hubs in Victoria Library and Charing Cross library.

Winter in the City runs from now until March, but the Council will keep working all year round to cushion our residents where we can from the cost-of-living crisis.”

Find out more about the cost of living support available to residents.