What are the ‘heat banks’ emerging in the United Kingdom as a result of the energy crisis the country is experiencing

Danielle Garside is 32 years old and a single mother of two. In recent months, looking for work, he has taken refuge in a “heat bank” in the city of Coventry, about a three-hour drive from London.

He lives with the sum of the various social benefits that the state gives him, but his children have recently noticed that he cannot afford things normally. and that is that now, with inflation, More than half of their monthly income is used to pay for gas and electricity bills.

“Sometimes I am afraid to turn on the lights,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). “You don’t know how much it will cost you. AM sick of the cold He’s had it a few nights and it’s only going to get worse.”

The beginning of December has ended with a snow flurry in the United Kingdom below freezing temperature in a large part of the country.

“It is a very difficult period, especially now that Christmas is coming,” he said. “I had to explain to the kids that we won’t be able to spend much this year.” Danielle tells the BBC she pays US$62 in energy per week And this stress is affecting their mental health.

Last month his provider disconnected the family connection leaving him no electricity for two days daniel who lives is becoming more Common in families with low purchasing power From United Kingdom. The energy crisis, double digit inflation and the bitter cold have left many unable to meet the bills.

In this context, an increasing number of so-called “heat banks” have appeared throughout the country. These spaces are usually found in a warm building where citizens can go to stay warm during the day without sending your home energy bills skyrocketing. They Come Like “The Living Room” in a community center.

this is a “Good place to meet and be warm”, says Fiona Tobin, secretary of a community association in the city of Sunderland. started getting your center More visitors than usual. Danielle has become a regular in one of them and with it she manages to save on the energy bills of her house. Other areas have also taken similar measures aimed at keeping people warm.

hot soup

Mosterton City Council, for example, distributes hot soup to visitors to the public building every Thursday.

“Anyone can come and have homemade soup and bagels. they can do stay as long as you want to keep warm. It also helps them feel less isolated or alone, says Jeanette Snook, vice chair of the initiative’s organizing committee.

They say that people who come Young parents from children to the elderlyIncluding many people living alone.

“Ideally we should not resort To provide a warm place for people”, he says, but adds that “this is an opportunity for them to meet and talk. It also gives relief to the people.”

Ruth Forsyth helped set up a hot spot at a wellness center at Langside Church in Glasgow after deciding she wanted to do something to help people in distress this winter.

“We are a wellness project that is already open to the public every day with a program of activities,” he says.

He did a survey and found that over 50 people in the area were interested Use the hot spot for at least two hours a day.

They hope to be open all week for those who cannot afford to heat their homes while they work. “People working from home can come here. We have chargers, desks and chairs. We are going to provide sofa set up and newspapers along with tea and coffee.

increased cost of living United Kingdom 10.1% In the 12 months to September, the rate was the highest in 40 years, driven by a sharp rise in energy and food prices.

UK is a Major importers of oil, gas and coal, representing about a third of its total needs, making it highly exposed to rising world energy prices. Other elements of UK vulnerability include High proportion of imported food.

bbc mundo