Helping communities stay warm and well this winter

As the cost-of-living continues to impact households across the UK, Places for People (PfP), the UK’s leading social enterprise, is reinforcing its commitment to supporting Customers and Communities through its annual Winter Ready Campaign.

This winter, PfP has granted over £200,000 in funding to 39 warm hub and food bank charities covering over 150 locations nationwide, providing vital lifelines for those struggling to afford essentials and stay warm. The initiative offers safe, heated spaces for people to gather, access wellbeing support, and receive emergency food aid.

Led by the Places Impact Team, Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact, said: “We know that for many of our Customers, the rising cost of living is making it harder to put food on the table or heat their homes. Our Winter Ready campaign is about action – working with local partners offering warm, welcoming spaces and food support that make a real difference in PfP Communities up and down the country - ensuring help is available where it’s needed most.”

The campaign builds on PfP’s year-round cost-of-living support, which last year helped:

•          2,783 Customers with over £209,000 in emergency food and fuel vouchers through its Cost-of-Living Hardship Fund
•          2,129 Customers to secure over £4.3 million in unclaimed welfare benefits and grants
•          796 Customers to save over £144,000 in utility bills through referrals to Pocket Power
•          617 Customers with early tenancy support, including furniture and flooring assistance

Customers accessing warm hubs or food banks are also offered wraparound services including wellbeing, financial inclusion, energy advice, and digital access – ensuring holistic help beyond immediate crisis relief.

PfP’s latest Beyond Homes Customer Wellbeing research revealed:

•         32% of our Customers who are unable to work said they have ran out of food in the last year and not been able to buy more.
•         19% said they had been unable to put on the heating when it was cold over the past year.
•         27% of Customers said they were struggling financially.
  
  

Marcus added: “We’re listening to our Customers and responding to what they need. Food insecurity and rising energy costs are a growing concern, and we’re using our resources and partnerships to respond quickly and compassionately. Whether it’s through vouchers, referrals, or wider support, we’re here to help people stay secure and supported in their homes through the toughest months of the year.”

PfP manages over 260,000 properties across the UK and operates more than 100 health and wellbeing facilities, welcoming 2.5 million visits each month.

For more information about the Winter Ready campaign and how to access support, visit: https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/ready-for-winter and Weather Hub - Places for People