13/01/25: Breckland Council launches "Warm Packs" initiative to help residents during the latest cold snap

Breckland Council has launched a new "Warm Packs" initiative to provide a package of support to residents across the district during the colder months.

Thanks to funding and donations from local businesses - including the Shadwell Estate, Snetterton Park Limited, Advanced Air, and The Factory Shop Dereham - each Warm Pack contains carefully selected items to help vulnerable residents stay warm and safe this winter, including: 

• Warm items of clothing and accessories: Thermal hats, gloves, socks, and hot water bottles to combat the winter chill. 
• Informative leaflets: Documents containing vital information about local services and resources that residents can access for further support. 

The council has launched the initiative to provide extra care to those who may otherwise be struggling with the rising cost of living. The Warm Packs aim to offer practical assistance to those in need, providing essential items and information to ensure residents have access to necessary resources to stay warm and well this winter.  

These will be available to residents at a range of locations (see list below) and through Breckland's Communities Team. 

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "We know some of our residents may struggle to stay warm and well during the winter and these new Warm Packs are just one way we are supporting those in need during the particularly difficult cold and dark months. This initiative reflects our commitment to caring for our community and we're delighted and very grateful to have been able to collaborate with local businesses to make a real difference to the lives of our residents." 

So far, 140 Warm Packs have been distributed across the district to the following locations: 

• A Little More Kindness, Attleborough 
• Attleborough Town Council 
• Banham Village Hub 
• Carbrooke Community Hub 
• Charles Burrell Centre, Thetford 
• Dereham Cancer Care 
• Iceni Centre Swaffham 
• Keystone Trust Thetford 
• Narborough Community Centre 
• Shipdham Church 
• Swaffham Town Council 
• Swanton Morley Parish Council 
• The Link, Dereham 
• Watton Sports Association

To find out more about the other support available from Breckland and its partners, including debt and money advice, social prescribing, access to affordable food, and mental health support,go online. If you want a pack and are unable to access one of the above locations, please email community@breckland.gov.uk.