This includes targeted anti-poverty initiatives and the return of One Stockport Warm & Well.
Recent figures reveal that the number of children living in absolute low-income households in Stockport has risen by 11.3% in the past year, with more than 11,000 children now affected.
Food insecurity, fuel poverty, and demand for crisis support remain at record highs, with local food banks distributing more than 25,000 parcels in the last year alone.
Support in action
R, an autistic resident, found herself living in her car last winter, struggling to stay warm and access support. Through our crisis team and the Warm & Well initiative, R received immediate help: a car tent, a weighted sensory hoodie, and access to a warm space funded by the council.
With continued support, R has now secured stable housing and meaningful employment, and her experience has led to improved support for autistic residents across the borough.
Another resident, Frank, living with cancer and heart failure, was struggling to manage daily expenses and access the benefits he was entitled to. With help from Stockport Homes’ Money Advice Team, Frank successfully appealed a benefits decision, secured backdated payments, and received vital adaptations to his home.
“This award will be life-changing for myself and my wife,” Frank said.
Support in your community
Building on these successes, the Warm & Well initiative returns this winter, offering free, welcoming spaces across Stockport where you can keep warm, enjoy hot drinks, and get advice on energy bills, benefits and wellbeing.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with local community groups, Sector 3 and the council, aims to ensure that no one has to choose between heating and eating this winter.
You can also find support and activities through the Stockport Live Well directory, part of our neighbourhoods and prevention ambitions which aim to create happy and healthy lives for everyone living in Stockport. The directory brings together local support and things to do in the community to make it easier for you to help yourself, your family and those you care for.
Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection
No one in Stockport should have to face winter alone or in the cold. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting our most vulnerable residents hardest, but through initiatives like Warm & Well, and by working closely with our partners, we are determined to provide practical help and a sense of community. These case studies show the real difference our support can make. I urge anyone who is struggling to reach out. Help is here, and together we can get through this winter.
Support with cost of living
You can access advice on benefits, debt and crisis support through our cost of living hub. If you need a helping hand to navigate all of the support available, call our helpline on 0161 474 2140. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm.
Despite challenging financial conditions, we continue to invest in targeted outreach, digital inclusion, and food support, ensuring that help is available for those who need it most.
Find out more about One Stockport Warm & Well.
