South Yorkshire Councillor aiming to reduce the stigma around 'Warm Banks'
We've been speaking to Councillor Mazher Iqbal from Sheffield City Council about the need for heated community buildings this winter
A Councillor in South Yorkshire is 'trying his best' to reduce the stigma around 'warm banks' by referring to them as 'welcoming places'.
It's as the rollout of a number of 'heated' community buildings is underway in response to the energy crisis, which's left some struggling to pay their bills.
Mahzer Iqbal-who covers the Darnall ward in Sheffield-says there's no shame in going to a 'safe space' to get warm if you can't afford to put your heating on at home:
"There's something that just sounds better about 'welcoming places'.
"The term 'Warm Banks' just doesn't really sit well with me.
"These are organisations that are based on your doorstep.
"For instance, they're set up in libraries across the city.
"If you're living on your own it's a really good opportunity to meet others.
"There's support there as well, so it's not like you're just coming in for a cup of coffee.
"Say if you wanted to speak to somebody about benefits, or you want some information about fuel or further financial, employment or health support, then that's what that 'welcoming place' will be able to provide.
"There's a children's centre and a reading club in some of these facilities too, so there's always things going on for people of all ages.
"Sadly, we will have to close at some point in the day though.
"If it's 6pm or 8pm in the evening, we can't keep these places open all the time.
"So those individuals will be going back home, and that's what concerns me.
"If these vulnerable people can't afford to turn their heating on and they've got a respiratory illness, it'll inevitably have an adverse impact."
You can find out more about the 'welcoming places' in Sheffield on the link below:
https://sheffield.citizenspace.com/chief-executives/a-network-of-welcoming-places-in-sheffield/