Coventry businesses open their doors for better venue access
Businesses in Coventry are joining together to offer free all-day access to the public.
It is all in response to the financial pressures people are facing due to the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bills.
Anybody can drop by the several public, private, and community venues during the colder winter months, that include family hubs and all the city's local libraries.
People will be able to keep warm, charge their phones, receive warm food and drinks and enjoy additional activities.
Bardsley Youth Project, a youth homelessness prevention and crisis relief charity for people aged 16-25, is one of the centres launching a hub.
According to CenterPoint’s research conducted this year, people up to the age of 24 are most at risk of going without food and heat due to rising costs, yet the universal credit rate for this age group is still lower than the average.
Bardsley Youth Project Launches Warm Hub for Young People in Coventry City Centre (Credit: Bardsley Youth Project)
They are based in Coventry City Centre and launch on Thursday the 1st of December. Their opening days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1-4 pm.
Rachel Orman, the Communications and Fundraising Officer for Bardsley Youth Project, said: “A lot of our young people are choosing between paying their rent, eating and having their heating on. It’s all in the list of essential things that they need.”
The centre is largely funded by donations and grants and has supported over 140 young people since September 2021.
“A lot of our young people are on benefits and actually receive less than older people. This means they’re not eating, paying their rent and are being evicted. It’s a really vicious cycle.” she added.
Kitchen Starter Packs Provided by Bardsley Youth Project (Credit: Bardsley Youth Project)
Bardsley Youth Project have an on-site shoe bank, clothing bank and a sanitary bank, as well as kitchen starter packs for those seeking private accommodation.
They also offer guidance and advice to young people worried about their financial and housing situation.
The venues participating:
As part of its partnership response, Coventry City Council has established a central portal for all information on cost of living and wellness.
This material includes details on how to get help paying for necessities, how to help households in need, and details on places that are open all day and into the early evening. It also includes details on financial assistance with housing and energy bills.