Community Voluntary Services Tendering step up to support residents for 'challenging winter'
Deputy chief officer Lisa Andrews "It's essential for people to have the ability to get some ideas about how they can be resilient."
As the winter fast approaches and concerns about rising costs cast a shadow, Community Voluntary Services Tendering (CVST) is taking the initiative to provide essential support to residents in need.
Lisa Andrews, the Deputy Chief Officer at CVST, has outlined to us the organization's efforts to help residents combat the challenges of the upcoming winter.
"It's a range of support and services, really everything from some practical resources that we're able to provide to local residents such as winter packs that include warm clothing and information about how to stay warm and well in the winter"
This comprehensive support includes the distribution of winter packs containing warm clothing, as well as guidance on staying warm and healthy during the winter months.
The goal is to equip residents with the tools they need to cope with the increased cost of living.
Furthermore, CVST recognizes the urgency of the situation and is ready to provide additional assistance. Lisa Andrews explained, "But there's also things like training courses to support people with the cost of living and occasionally when the funds allow, we do have access to vouchers. For food and fuel, although obviously, we're trying to make sure that people are as resilient as they can be during the winter and they have to be used for the most urgent people in the most immediate need."
These training courses are aimed at helping individuals manage their expenses in the face of economic challenges and rising costs. The organization's commitment to prioritizing those in the most dire circumstances is evident, as funds are allocated to provide vouchers for food and fuel to those in the greatest need.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond economic concerns, especially for vulnerable peoples. Lisa emphasized the need to address the specific challenges faced by older residents, who may be more vulnerable to low temperatures in their homes. "I think one of the things that we have found, particularly with older people, is that they are loathed to turn their heating up or in some cases to even put it on".
The organization is providing practical advice on how to manage heating efficiently and encouraging residents to focus on heating themselves rather than their entire living spaces. This includes using blankets and hot water bottles, which can make a significant difference in maintaining warmth.
CVST is reaching out to a wide range of individuals, as Lisa Andrews explained, "Anyone with a long-term health condition, anyone who has breathing difficulties, young children, there are all sorts of people who are going to need to just think a little bit differently this winter about how they stay warm and well."
Moreover, CVST is actively seeking volunteers to join their mission of supporting the community during the winter season. "One thing that we're always looking at is volunteers," Lisa Andrews emphasized. "So it would be absolutely great if people who are hearing this and are interested and think, oh, I'd like to get involved in that project came forward and approached CVST to think about volunteering with us."
Residents who wish to offer their time and support can find more information on the CVST website or through volunteer Essex.