Free hot drinks and good company: how a Stockport warm bank is helping its community this winter

Over 100 community organisations in Stockport came together this winter to keep people warm and offer companionship during the cold months. The cost of living crisis has hit people hard in Greater Manchester and many community spaces have become warm hubs to provide food and drinks and a place for people to seek company and reduce their heating bills.

Stockport council encouraged places in the borough to apply for a grant to become one of these warm hubs for community members over Winter. The grant was available to them as long as these spaces provided free hot drinks and a warm place to sit and rest.

We went down to the 360 Life Church in Stockport - which has been open as a warm hub since November - to speak to the people involved.