Volunteers 'take action' against cost of living crisis with lifeline warm bank

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A local charity is “taking action” and not just talking about the cost of living crisis by setting up a warm and welcoming space for those who can’t afford to heat their homes.The KNEC Community Listening Project has set up the warm bank so people can save money by not putting their heating on during the day.The project, primarily for those in East calder and Kirknewton, has just completed its pilot year and expanded with the warm bank at East Calder Parish Church.Elizabeth Pennykid, co-ordinator of KNEC, explained: “Our project is keen to work together with our community to help each other in uncertain times.

Our strap line of caring for our community and beyond is as important as ever and something that takes action and not just words.“Three things that we really want to help people with is escaping isolation by providing company for anyone who would like to spend time with others.

There is no point in people sitting home alone when they can share with other people.“We want to provide a warm place, soup and hot drinks to help combat the cost of living crisis in a small way.

This could save people putting their heating on during school hours and they can come and sit in our space for free or a small donation if they wish.“We also offer people the chance to book formal listening sessions to talk about something that is on their mind or troubling them.“This is confidential and is purely a time to be listened to for free hopefully allowing the speaker to feel important, valued and allowing them to make decisions of their own having been given the opportunity to talk.”The warm hubs run at East Calder Church Hall on a Monday and a Thursday from 11am to 3pm.