‘Warm Banks’ across Thanet to help those struggling with cost of living

As the colder weather moves in and people start to worry over heating their homes in the face of rising energy bills, an Independent Thanet councillor has put together a warm bank list for the isle.

Cllr Ruth Bailey says she hopes to see the warm bank scheme become more co-ordinated so those who need help can find the services on offer.

The idea of warm banks is to provide somewhere people can keep warm, chat, use computers and play activities for free, or at minimal cost.

National Energy Action says 12,000 people die each year from health conditions arising or worsening from having a cold home. With the cost of living crisis and a rise in energy bills even with the price cap, many people will be choosing between heating and food as they struggle to pay for day to day costs.

Even with cost of living and extra winter payments to those deemed most vulnerable, energy costs are still expected to bite with an average bill rise of 6.5% compared to last year. This is on top of a current 11.1% inflation rate pushing up the cost of food and other goods. Since December last year, bank rates have also increased  from 0.1% to 3%, making borrowing such as loans and mortgages more expensive.

In response a number of warm banks have been created. One at Millmead Children’s Centre was thought to be the first announced in Kent after a contribution towards costs from Margate county councillor Barry Lewis.

More have sprung up since that announcement back in September and in October Turner Contemporary in Margate opened its warm bank space after registering with the national database.

Based in the gallery’s Clore Learning Studio, people are invited to visit, read the books, use the wifi, get creative and stay warm.

The studio has been transformed from a white canvas to a vibrant space with comfy chairs, tables, some 400 children’s art books and the colourful Fantastical Worlds display by two groups of Year 8 students from Royal Harbour Academy working with Project Motorhouse, photographer Tim Topple and artist Christopher Tipping.

Turner Contemporary’s head of visitor experience, Toby Parkin, and learning producer Dee Ajiba (both pictured above) have overseen the warm bank/art library and exhibition installation.

Toby said: “The idea is for people to come and stay as long as they like. We are going to have early years sessions after the half term and then we will be looking at after-school clubs and sessions for older people.

“With the cost of living crisis we  have registered as a warm bank on the national database and we want to be a living room space for Margate. People can hang out here and cut their bills, use the internet and the café, members of staff will be here and there are the children’s books, many of them that will be interesting for adults as well.”

The Turner Contemporary warm bank is a pilot project running until January 8.

Cllr Bailey said: “I started compiling a list because I thought it might be of use to those who are worried about paying their fuel bills in these worrying times.

“The warm spaces also help to provide a focal point for people to meet up and, in some instances, get a cup of tea and something to eat. The initiative is very welcome but quite ad hoc and needs to be a bit more coordinated so that people can be signposted to these warm spaces.

“Since posting I’ve already been able to add a further two venues which I’ve been alerted to, so hopefully this list will grow.

“I would like to see more organisations such as libraries or leisure centres perhaps, opening their doors where possible too.

“I would encourage anyone offering a warm space to register it on the warm spaces website. https://warmspaces.org/”

Warm space list

Broadstairs

• Queen’s Road Baptist Church, Broadstairs – Wednesdays 1.00pm-4.00pm
• The Vale United Reformed Church, Broadstairs – Tuesdays 2.00pm-4.00pm.
• The Pavilion Youth & Community Café, St Peter’s Recreation Ground, Broadstairs – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – 9.00am-2.00pm
• St Peter’s Church is teaming up with the Baptist Church of St Peter’s so each venue can offer a warm space on different days.. A warm bank is in the St Peter’s church hall in Hopeville Avenue in the foyer to the Main Hall on a Monday morning between 9.30am and 12 noon with free tea and coffee and the opportunity to chat. The Baptist Church of St Peter’s in Vicarage Street will also hold a warm bank on Wednesdays at 12.30-3.30pm.
•  Broadstairs Library – Friday, 10.00-5.00pm

Margate

• Turner Contemporary, Margate – Wednesday – Sunday, 10.00am-5.00pm
• Holy Trinity Church, Saint Mary’s Avenue Margate, 6.00pm-11.00pm
• Millmead Children’s Centre – days/times tbc
• St Philips’s Church, Summerfield Road, Palm Bay – Hot drinks, newspapers, board games, wifi, workspace and kitchen facilities, Thursdays 11am to 7pm
• 101 Social Club at 101 Northdown Road – The 101 Soup Kitchen serves free veg soup, bread and tea every Sunday from 11am till 2pm. It’s eat in or to go, free for all.
  If you don’t consider yourself as in need, you can still join in and enjoy a meal and show your support by donating (cash or card), volunteering or just spreading the word. 101 also welcomes donations of ingredients from both residents and local traders.

Ramsgate

• The Corner, Whitehall Road, CT12 6DF opening from 5 December, Mondays & Tuesdays 9.00am – 8.00pm
• St Luke’s Church, Hollicondane Rd – Thursday 10.00-3.00pm

Minster

Minster Parish Council is working with Minster and Monkton RBL, Minster WI, St Mary’s Church and the Salvation Army to help struggling residents

• Free  hot drinks and cakes for Minster residents in need at the Salvation Army Hall every Monday 9.30am to 11am.
• Free soup lunch, hot drinks and company at Minster and Monkton Royal British Legion every Wednesday noon to 2pm
• Free hot drinks and cakes at the Library every Thursday 1.15pm-4pm

Food parcels – Please enquire with Penny Gimes on 07500 554510 or parish clerk 01843 821339