Kingston Council has partnered with local voluntary and community organisations across the borough to provide 'Warm Spaces' in a bid to support residents dealing with the current cost of living crisis.

Rising prices of food and energy are the main causes for the fastest increased rates in the cost of living for over 40 years in the UK.

According to the Office of National Statistics, 93% of adults in Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living in August - September 2022 and this figure is set to increase over the winter months.

Despite the government's Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), which will cap the unit cost of energy and is expected to save a typical household at least £1,000 a year, the scheme is broad based meaning low-income households will not be as protected.

The council's warm spaces have been established to help offer residents places to work and entertain children through free interactive activities in a bid to ease the burden of dealing with increased bills and day-to-day costs.

Kingston and Surbiton Library from mid-November will be offering story time sessions, creative activities and board games for young children.

The Dickerage Sports and Community Centre is offering after school community drop-ins, stay and play, coffee and a youth club.

Piper Hall is providing free lunches and snacks and will be offering young people engaging activities and 'messy play'.

To view the map of all warm spaces across Kingston, visit the link here.

For additional support with rising living costs, click here.