'Warm Hubs' open for those struggling with energy bills in Rutland
Four of Rutland’s public libraries will operate as a Warm Hubs with free Wi-Fi.
Rutland County Council has launched a guide to local organisations and support schemes to help households who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
This information is being made readily available in a single place on the Council’s website, while a printed booklet containing the same information can be obtained free from the Council’s offices and local libraries.
Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: “This is an understandably worrying time for people, especially as the weather gets colder and with Christmas is just round the corner."
"We know that talking about finances can be difficult, but we want to encourage as many people as possible who are struggling to seek help where they can. There is lots of independent, expert advice on how to reduce your outgoings and make bills more manageable.
"There’s also emergency support with food and money if you’re in crisis and need urgent help. We hope that bringing all this information together in a single place will be a big help to households and families, whether they have used these services before or not.”
Rutland County Council is also introducing a new ‘Warm Hubs’ initiative. Throughout the winter months all four of Rutland’s public libraries (Oakham, Uppingham, Ryhall and Ketton), will operate as a Warm Hubs with free Wi-Fi. This will be during regular opening hours as well as volunteer-supported extended hours at Ketton and Ryhall, and is for anyone struggling to heat their home. You can find details of all four libraries’ regular opening hours here.
Starting on Monday 7 November, Ketton library will open 10.00am until 4.00pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. From Wednesday 9 November, Ryhall library will open 10.00am until 4.00pm every Wednesday. This will be extended to Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the winter months of December, January and February. The additional hours are being delivered with volunteer support thanks to Ketton and Ryhall Parish Councils.
Elsewhere, Uppingham Methodist Church on Orange St is opening as a warm space from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.