Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have decided to help Staffordshire residents in the cost of living crisis by creating warm spaces in their community fire stations.

Longton Community Fire Station has been added to the scheme, which started in November across six community fire stations across Staffordshire. The doors will be open every Wednesday 2-4pm and is fully accessible.

Members of the local community are encouraged to attend, the warm space offers companionship, conversation and hot drinks. The fire service will also be there to offer fire safety advice and to signpost to other partner organisations.

Brenda Heath who lives in Longton attended the first warm space session in Longton with her sister, Sylvia Stokes-Walchester, said: "Well we wanted something to do and we thought we would try it. You've got to do something to go out because you'll keep putting it off. After Covid people got use to being inside and this connects people"

While Sylvia added: "Not everyone can afford to go out, getting here from Meir Heath cost me £7.80, which is a lot of money. Hopefully places like this people can start meeting people again"

The warm space had free drinks available with a range of biscuits and cakes to choose from.

Image credit: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The community fire station was picked as other stations were considered too small or not easily accessible. With the close proximity to both Longton and Meir the spot was considered 'ideal'.

Kelly Rafferty, Prevent Delivery Lead for Stoke-on-Trent said: "If the space is sustainable, we've got the option to look if the room is available another day in the week."

Speaking of the scheme, Head of Prevent and Protect, Ian Read, said: "I am pleased that we are able to offer these facilities to our communities who are facing considerable challenges this winter.

"Not only will you be welcomed with a cuppa, you'll also meet some friendly faces and find out more about how our service can support you. We'll be using the sessions as an opportunity to raise awareness of our campaign, 'Be Warm. Be Safe' which is about encouraging people to warm their homes safely."

READ MORE: 

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.