Redbridge Council gives warm packs to older residents, to help make the winter more comfortable

Over 600 elderly Redbridge residents are being given warm packs by Redbridge Council, to help local people who are most vulnerable to the cold weather, stay safe and warm this winter.

The first warm packs were given out at Fernways, a Redbridge Council-run care home, during their Christmas party. Many more will be handed out in the week before Christmas, to people identified by Age UK as needing extra support during the colder months.

Warm packs include a light fleece blanket, gloves, neck warmer, hat, socks, and an insulated mug. Each pack also contains a £50 voucher which can be spent on energy bills, warm clothing, or grocery essentials, enabling more people to afford hot meals this Christmas. These form part of Redbridge Council’s wrap of winter support which includes opening heated community living rooms, providing bespoke budget planning advice and supporting an affordable community grocery store in Ilford.

Councillor Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council said: “Staying warm can help us stay well, especially if we’re older, so we’re distributing warm packs to help local people feel more comfortable when they’re at home. We’re including vouchers to go towards energy bills or groceries and we’ve once again opened community living rooms across our borough that are heated and welcoming places for everyone to come and spend time.

“Please keep an extra eye out for older relatives or neighbours, and if they are struggling with heating and affording food, please do ask for the community living room at your local library, or look at our cost of living website to find more heated spaces, and extra winter support. We will always do as much as we can to support local people who need our help.”