Churches are being urged to step in to help people stay warm.,,,
Churches are being urged to provide a warm welcome across the UK for people struggling to pay energy bills.
More than 1,000 churches have already signed up to the ChurchWorks Commission’s Warm Welcome campaign to build a network of thousands of community spaces providing warmth and support.
Organisers say hundreds more spaces are needed to ensure that, on any day, the estimated one in four people unable to afford higher energy prices can find a free, heated location and a friendly welcome in their local area.
Warm Welcome has brought together UK denominations and organisations including the Church of England, Catholic Church, Baptist Union, Methodist Church, Church Urban Fund, Christians Against Poverty UK, Edge Ministries and The Salvation Army.
Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham and Chair of the ChurchWorks Commission, said: “Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the church responded quickly and creatively. Now, during another national crisis, churches and community centres need to once again step up by being places of Warm Welcome in their localities.
“As bills increase, even with government support, millions will be affected and unable to afford basics.
“Churches and community groups are perfectly positioned to help those who need a place of warmth and welcome, but if we are truly going to make an impact on a national level, we need hundreds of groups to pledge their space.”
The government’s Energy Price Guarantee means unit rates for electricity and gas are capped, so the average annual bill is likely to be about £2,500, but consumers will still be charged on usage, with no limit on the annual charge. But there are warnings the most vulnerable will still be forced to choose between heating or eating, with many having to seek help for the first time.
Warm Welcome has won the backing of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who described soaring energy prices as “a moral issue” underlining “our responsibilities to neighbours and in particular those who have the least”.
Carl Beech, CEO of Edge Ministries, said: “There’s little doubt we are heading towards a crisis this winter in the face of energy and fuel inflation. People will be facing a stark choice between food and warmth.
“Creating warm and super welcoming spaces full of love, life and community is going to be an absolute necessity. It will make an incredible difference to people’s lives.”
