Bishop's Stortford churches work together to keep community warm

Bishop’s Stortford’s congregations are rallying to help keep the community warm.

Churches Together, representing faiths across the town, has set up a network of warm banks.

Methodist Church minister Reverend Gill Hulme said: “Churches Together clergy met recently, and one of the items for discussion was how we could help in the cost of living and fuel crisis.

“Churches, and community groups, are starting to register as ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ via the website www.warmwelcome.uk, entering details of opening times and what is on offer.

“This is still very much a work in progress as we seek to respond to the need for warm, safe and free spaces, where – at a minimum – hot drinks are provided and people can safely bring their children, set up their laptops or just relax.

“Many churches in the town already have free activities on offer, and others are expanding what they are doing to offer either more hours, food, or things to do such as crafts, board games etc.”

Rev Hulme, who is chair of Churches Together, said: “Alongside this, churches in the town are of course supporting the food bank, which is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the rear hall of the Methodist Church in South Street, and the night shelter charity based at Holy Trinity, which offers guidance for those facing the prospect of losing their property at their drop-in sessions on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to noon and on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm. The shelter is aiming to be open to guests at the end of November.

“We would hope to involve local shops and businesses in this initiative so we can continue to pull together as a caring supportive town.”

So far, the warm bank timetable includes:

• Monday - 9am to 5pm at the Hub Church, Portland Road.
• Tuesday - 10am to 4pm at the Methodist Church, South Street, with crafts on offer in the morning.
• Tuesday - 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Breaking Bread café at the Baptist Church, Twyford Road, alongside the Exchange where furniture and clothing are available
• Tuesday - 6pm to 7pm for Food with Friends at the Charis Centre. Attendance is free but booking is required by Monday at 6pm. Email office@ccbs.org.uk or message by text or
• WhatsApp to 07597360079.
• Wednesday - 10am to 4pm at the Methodist Church, South Street.
• Thursday - 10am to 4pm Methodist Church, South Street.
• Thursday - 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Breaking Bread café at the Baptist Church, Twyford Road, alongside the Exchange.
• Friday - 9am to 5pm at the Hub Church, Portland Road
• Friday - 10am to 1pm for a games morning at the Methodist Church, South Street.
• Saturday - 10am to noon at the Methodist Church, South Street.

The Warm Welcome Campaign, started by the ChurchWorks Commission and key partners, said that according to the End Poverty Fuel Coalition, 16.4m would be in fuel poverty this winter, with people with disabilities, elderly people, children, people from ethnic minorities, and low-income households among the most affected groups.

There is an estimated £800 gap between the overall cost of living and the Government's package for families on means-tested benefits, meaning many will have to look to their community and churches for support.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council said: "We have always welcomed people who want to use our libraries as a warm and safe space during the winter months, and all our libraries offer free wi-fi for anyone who needs somewhere to work.

"We are working alongside all Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils, community, faith and voluntary groups to pull together a directory of warm spaces across the county, to ensure residents in need have access to a warm indoor space this winter.

"As part of this work, we will be working with Hertfordshire Community Foundation to provide grants to help cover additional heating and running costs for those organisations taking part. We will be looking at funding these projects from the government’s Household Support Fund grant.

"We recognise it’s going to be a challenging winter for many of our residents which is why we are making sure that advice and support is on hand to help everyone deal with the rising cost of living and to stay well during the colder months. Any residents struggling should get in touch with HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044. For more information, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving."