Sefton Council hosted a Keep Warm, Keep Well event at Bootle Cricket Club on Monday 12^th September as part of its commitment to helping vulnerable people get through winter. The event was very popular, with upwards of 100 people attending.

Information stands provided advice and contacts for keeping well and managing finances. Organisations present included Living Well Sefton, who provided advice on staying healthy, Sefton O.P.E.R.A, who provided information and complimentary massages, and The Indy Pantry, a food union offering food for the community. Additionally, there was free advice on paying rent and council tax, and how to efficiently use energy to reduce energy bills. There was also blood pressure checks, chair-based exercises, and free goody bags.

Another Keep Warm, Keep Well event is being held at the Atkinson Centre in Southport on Monday, 10^th October. The event was originally planned to take place on Monday, 19^th September, but was rescheduled following the announcement of the day becoming a bank holiday for the Queen’s funeral.

Sefton Council recognises many households will struggle to pay their bills this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis. Autumn’s expected rise in the energy price cap to £3,554 will leave average household bills 80 per cent higher going into the colder months when energy use soars. Many vulnerable people will be hit hard, including older people and those in ill-health, living in energy inefficient homes that are difficult and expensive to heat.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said:

“With their gas and electricity bills set to rocket and inflation rising to the highest rate in 40 years, households and business across Sefton will be wondering just how they are going to get through the coming winter and beyond.

“While Sefton Council has no magic solutions and like councils across the UK is hit by the same rises in costs to run its operations and services, it is vital we recognise people’s plight and work with our partners to provide what support and advice we can.”

People can find out more information about the events by contacting Sefton Opera on 0151 330 0479 or 07452 867 648 admin@seftonopera.org.uk.

Anyone concerned about keeping warm at home should contact Sefton’s Affordable Warmth Team on 0151 934 2222.

People worried about paying gas and electricity bills or who are struggling due to rising prices in shops can find support and advice by visiting www.sefton.gov.uk/cost-of-living