Keep warm this winter Community support plan launched

AS winter approaches and there is concern about rising costs, especially energy bills, across the country, Frome Town Council has partnered with Frome Medical Practice to provide support to the local community.

They have produced a leaflet which will help signpost residents to support that might be needed over the coming months. Local charities are also gearing up to help the vulnerable during the crisis.

Just recently, support charity Active and In Touch has received a donation from Frome Christian Fellowship to buy and distribute slow cookers, which use less energy, to those in need.

The leaflet provided by Frome Town Council and Frome Medical Practice will be delivered to homes across the town with the Frome Times and copies will be available from Discover Frome Information Point, the Town Hall, the Medical Practice, the library as well as in many cafes/shops and on-line.

Mayor of Frome, cllr Sara Butler said, “There has been so much in the press recently about the cost-of-living crisis and the rise in energy bills that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But while life may look different for most of us this year, the Frome community is always here to support each other. We’ve created a leaflet to share the projects, places, community groups along with help and support that might be needed this coming winter.

Friendly welcome

“Frome is well known for looking out for our neighbours, by sharing and staying connected. As a town we can’t do much about fuel bills or food prices in the short term, but there is support in place to ensure that no one goes hungry and that we can all stay warm over the colder months.

“Most importantly, if you’re feeling isolated or anxious, are struggling to heat your home, or just in need of somewhere to be, there are places that we can all go to get a warm and friendly welcome.”

The town council says, “The details of the Warm Spaces are all listed in the leaflet and are open to anyone should they want to get out of the house for a while and find a friendly face – you can spend time in these spaces with no obligation to spend money.

“Whether it’s Food at Five, the Talking café, Active Tuesday with Active and In Touch, the Bridge Café or The Good Heart, there are places dotted around the town that will offer a warm and friendly space.”

The leaflet is packed full of information including where to find information and support around energy and bills, money matters, safe housing, staying healthy and connected, to eating well and transport. There’s even a feature on the Healthy Homes project, FIND (Frome’s Family Information Network Directory) and how to save energy with the SHARE shop.

For more information and to view all the details including the Warm Spaces, visit https://tinyurl.com/cost-of-living-crisis-support Charity donation will reduce cooking bills Local charity, Active and In Touch (A&IT), was given money to buy and distribute slow cookers as a targeted gift from Frome Christian Fellowship to help those who have a need in Frome.

A&IT say, “It was their idea, because of the energy price increase, the group were thinking about how to help. Within the church, the idea was raised to buy slow cookers to help people with their energy bills, and Geoff Bennett, the leader of Frome Christian Fellowship, agreed. Primarily ten slow cookers will be purchased and the take up has been good so far.

“Jan Taylor, who is a volunteer with Active and in Touch, thought that the charity would be a good conduit for getting the cookers to the people who will need them most. Active and in Touch will also work with other charities, such as Fair Frome and Purple Elephant to see if their members could benefit from a slow cooker.

“Dougie who is the director of services with Active and in Touch will be showing the charity’s Tuesday group how to use a slow cooker.

“Active and in Touch would like to thank Frome Christian Fellowship for their generosity.”