Stay warm, stay well
Hartlepool Borough Council is joining forces with residents’ groups to help local people protect themselves from the cold winter weather.
Five free advice and information events, called "Stay Warm, Stay Well", are to be held over coming weeks.
People will be able to find out more about a range of issues, including forthcoming changes to benefits, planning healthy meals on a budget and keeping warm in their homes.
The council has teamed up with residents' groups in the Dent and Derwent; Cameron, Furness and Belk; Burn Valley; Belle Vue and Thornton areas to stage events at the following venues and times:
- Tuesday February 21, 11am-2pm at the Church of the Nazarene
- Tuesday February 28, 11am-2pm, at the Raglan Social Club
- Thursday March 15, 11am-2pm at St Matthew's Hall
- Thursday March 22, 11am-2pm at Belle Vue Centre
- Wednesday March 28, 11am-2pm at St Joseph's Church Hall
The events are being supported by a range of other organisations and agencies, including Hartlepool MIND, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Hartlepool Carers, Connected Care, Housing Hartlepool, Endeavour Housing and the NHS.
Irene Cross, Hartlepool Borough Council's community development officer for the central area of the town, said: "Lots of people are struggling to make ends meet at the moment and this can impact on their health. By organising these events, we aim to provide easy access to a wide range of helpful advice and information that could really make a difference to their lives.
"Hot soup will also be available at each of the events, and we will be giving away packs of healthy vegetables and fruit."
Everyone who attends an event will have their name entered in a prize draw for £25 worth of shopping vouchers.