A NEW Kingsteignton ‘warm bank’ is offering respite from cold weather and heating costs.

People who are struggling to afford heating bills are encouraged to make use of the community warm space.

The new warm bank has opened for people in Kingsteignton who are struggling to heat their homes and is intended to help anyone in the community who cannot afford to stay warm now that winter has arrived, and heating costs have soared.

The initiative is being led by KingsCare League of Friends and supported by the Kingsteignton Royal British Legion Club and National Grid.

In addition to a warm space there will also be a qualified energy advisor to help with any concerns relating to rising costs who can also offer advice on benefits and other ways KingsCare can help.

The charity said: ‘This new warm bank is just one way in which we are helping our local community through the Cost of Living crisis.

‘Along with Town Councillors, Teignbridge Council, HITS, Teignbridge CVS and the local churches we have identified that there are residents of Kingsteignton who are likely to struggle through the Cost of Living crisis.

‘From initial conversations, we have launched a website, Supporting You www.supporting-you.co.uk to provide information, support and help when it’s needed.

‘We also have put together a limited number of ‘warm packs’ for those who are in desperate need and would like to thank the Rotary Club and The Station Youth Club for their support in putting these together.’

The warm bank is being held in the Kingsteignton British Legion club lounge every Thursday from 2.30-4.30pm, starting from today, February 2.

In the lounge area you will be able to get a hot drink and either sit in peace or socialise with other residents from Kingsteignton. The weekly warm bank is open to everyone and anyone.

Julia Clegg, from Kingsteignton British Legion club, said: ‘The club hope that the two hours on a Thursday will give some respite to those who want the opportunity to keep warm in a welcoming environment to relax, chat, play games, work or just sit,;

Julia went on to praise KingsCare League of Friends response describing the reaction as ‘cause for hope but not surprising given the amount of work they do in the community’.

Find out more

To find out more about the warm bank please visit the Supporting You website at www.supporting-you.co.uk