Two organisations, that find sustainable solutions and community action to prevent poverty and ensure people are safe and warm in their homes, have come together again to run a winter warmer packs campaign.

The winter warmer pack campaign, now in its third year, sees the largest ever number of bags donated to help households in need tackle the winter, with 5,000 packs being given out between now and March 2023.

People living in vulnerable situations across Lancashire are being given extra support to stay warm and well during the winter months thanks to funding from the Cadent Foundation and community action charity, Groundwork.

The winter warmer packs have been produced as part of a three-year strategic partnership between the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork.

The packs will be distributed as an emergency intervention to those most in need via local food banks and community hubs/centres and groups in towns and cities across the UK, including Lancashire. 

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Each pack contains a range of items to help people keep warm this winter such as thermal socks, thermal gloves, hat, scarf, a temperature card, hot water bottle and blanket.

Office for National Statistics suggest an estimated 63,000 excess winter deaths occurred in England and Wales in winter 2020/21, 6.1 times higher than winter 2019 to 2020.

Across the UK, NEA estimates that on average more than 10,000 people die each year due to living in a cold home, a statistic that is likely to increase this year.

Groundwork is also running a Green Doctor Programme, which offers free, impartial advice and practical measures to help individuals take control of their bills, save energy where possible in the home, and access other services and initiatives available.

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Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “In the midst of the energy crisis, the waiting list for our energy advice services continues to grow at an alarming rate.

“We are pleased to be able to provide emergency relief through winter warm packs, helping people to cope in the short term, while our Green Doctors continue to offer the advice and practical help needed to find long term solutions to the challenges presented by increasing levels of fuel poverty.”

Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “We’re pleased to be able to fund the much-needed winter warmer packs for the third year.

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“Many households face an uncertain winter this year, with the current cost-of-living crisis, it’s going to be a challenging time for many people as we head into winter, and so we’re working with charity partners to tackle the root causes and impact of fuel poverty across our networks.

“We wanted to reach even more people living in vulnerable situations, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to double the number of packs this year to 5,000 and we couldn’t do this without our partner Groundwork who help to get these packs to those who need them to most.

“It’s reassuring to know these packs will help make a real difference at such a difficult time.”