More than 23,000 people sought refuge at warm banks in Oldham last year
Over 23,000 people in Oldham utilized council-run warm banks last year, receiving free hot drinks and access to amenities like WiFi due to the high cost of heating. The initiative, part of a wider winter support campaign, offers a warm and safe space in libraries, churches, and community centers, with staff available to provide additional support and host family-friendly activities.
Oldham’s libraries served 23,753 free hot drinks last year to residents seeking shelter from soaring energy costs, new data shows, as the borough prepares to reopen its network of warm banks for a second winter.
The council-run warm banks—heated libraries, churches and community centres—will again offer residents a place to stay warm during daylight hours, with free WiFi, family activities and advice on further support. While every Oldham library participates, Central Library cannot provide complimentary drinks. Additional venues include Greenacres Community Centre, Oldham Chapel, United Reformed Church, Dovetales Christian Centre in Shaw, Beulah Community Church in Hollins and The Mare and Foal in Failsworth.
The warm-bank programme is part of a £2.5 million winter support package that allocates £200,000 to charities, £185,000 in emergency fuel payments and food vouchers expected to feed about 15,000 eligible children. Staff at each site will direct visitors to other assistance and host events such as ‘Bounce and Rhyme’ for under-fives.
A 73-year-old man outside Central Library, who asked not to be named, said the initiative had been a “relief” when he struggled to heat his home during last winter’s coldest weeks, adding: “I’m 73. I should be able to stay warm in my own home.”
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