South Gloucestershire Council is giving out 1,000 warm packs to residents struggling with the cost of living this winter.

The bags will include hats, gloves, socks, blankets, thermal mugs, hot water bottles, reusable handwarmers and soup.

They’ll be available from early December in our One Stop Shops, libraries, and children’s centres.

We are also reopening our Community Welcome Spaces which offer a warm place to spend the day, company, cost of living advice and internet access.

Labour’s Alison Evans, Cabinet Member for the Cost of Living, said: “We are here to help this winter.

“Please don’t struggle in silence, there are lots of options available to our residents to make sure anyone who is struggling has enough food to eat, keeps warm and can get help with essential outgoings.

“Winter is a particularly difficult time with Christmas coming and the cold weather drawing in, so do get in touch today and we will do everything we can to help you and your family.

“Reaching out for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether it’s calling up to discuss benefits you may be entitled to, popping into a Community Welcome Space to warm up over a cup of tea or asking for a warm pack in one of our libraries – our friendly teams are here to help make sure the support we have available reaches those who need it.”

To find out more about the warm packs or Community Welcome Spaces, click here.