WARRINGTON Foodbank's CEO said that many of us are facing what is likely to be our harshest winter yet.

With rising energy costs, high fuel costs, and inflation at a 30-year high, it seems as though the foodbank's CEO may be right.

Energy companies have already warned that in a worst-case scenario, there may be power cuts this winter, too.

However, despite the doom and gloom, communities across Warrington are lending a hand to those who need extra support this year.

A number of schemes are being organised across the town to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, here are just a few that we hope will be helpful.

'Warm Welcome' - Birchwood Churches Together

Churches and community centres in Birchwood are pulling together to offer a safe space for communities to keep warm this winter.

Taking place across three locations, and four days a week, the scheme is open to anyone who wishes to make use of the service.

Warrington Guardian: A 'warm welcome' is being offered in and around BirchwoodA 'warm welcome' is being offered in and around Birchwood (Image: Birchwood Churches Together)

Offering hot drinks, and a warm space to meet others, chat, or just to enjoy getting out of the house this winter, the churches are extending a 'warm welcome' to anyone who needs it.

This scheme is being run from Thomas Risley Church, the Encounter Centre, and the Table.

It will take place on the following days:

  • Thomas Risley Church: Monday, 1-3pm; Thursday, 8:45-11:30am
  • The Encounter Centre: Tuesday, 10am-3pm; Friday, 10am-3pm
  • The Table: Thursday, 11:30am-1pm

'Getting Toasty' - The Bread and Butter Thing

Food hubs across Warrington that are coordinated by 'The Bread and Butter Thing' are taking part in the organisation's 'Getting Toasty' scheme.

The scheme involves some of the food hubs opening for a few hours before the food is handed out, allowing the sites to become 'warm hubs.'

Sites in Westy and Birchwood are taking place in the scheme, with a total of three sites in Warrington signing up to become 'warm hubs' for communities to access.

As well as being open to provide food parcels containing £35 of food for a fraction of the price, three hubs will open for a few hours beforehand.

Residents can access the 'Getting Toasty' scheme at the following sites:

  • Birchwood Church of England Primary School, from 11am on a Thursday 
  • Westy Community Centre, from 11:30am on a Friday
  • The Old School on Fairfield Street, from 12pm on a Monday

'Winter Warmer Campaign' - Warrington Foodbank

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Foodbank has also started a new campaign to help people through winterWarrington Foodbank has also started a new campaign to help people through winter (Image: Warrington Foodbank)

Warrington Foodbank has recently announced its campaign that urges people to donate items such as blankets, coats, pyjamas, hot water bottles, and even candles.

The CEO of the foodbank told the Warrington Guardian: "We are extremely concerned that this winter may be one of the worst ever for families who are facing rising costs of energy bills, higher costs of food in supermarkets, and the possibility of energy supplies being cut during daytime hours.

"Never before has the phrase 'heat or eat' become such a reality to those who cannot afford to meet these higher charges."

As well as now providing food donated to the foodbank that will help to feed the vulnerable, anyone who needs the foodbank's help will now be able to pick up items to help keep warm, too.

Anyone wishing to use the foodbank's services can do so at the foodbank's site in the Golden Square, next to Primark, or at its distribution centre at 2 Tanning Court.