As the colder months draw in, Stockport residents are once again being encouraged to take part in the One Stockport Warm & Well initiative, which is back to help people stay healthy, warm and supported this winter.
The difference this support can make is clear.
In 2024, Warm & Well helped a 64-year-old cancer patient from Stockport who was living alone and struggling with both health and financial challenges after treatment.
Through a home visit, a caseworker supported her to complete complex benefit applications, securing Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit, Council Tax Support and a Macmillan grant. In total, this added up to around £17,666 a year in extra support, giving her vital financial stability during recovery and showing the real impact Warm & Well can have at times of crisis.
First launched several years ago, the initiative is led by One Stockport in partnership with local organisations. It focuses on three key themes: looking after yourself, looking after your home and looking after others.
This year, it also links with Stockport Live Well to connect residents with activities and support in their communities, while Warm Spaces across the borough will once again provide safe, welcoming places for people to keep warm and connect with others.
This includes Warm Spaces in every Stockport library, so residents can always find a warm welcome. We are also working closely with partners at Sector 3 to deliver our broader network of Warm Spaces – more details on this will be available soon.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Following the success of Warm & Well over the past few years, we are once again working with partners in health, business and the voluntary sector to make sure everyone in Stockport has access to the right support this winter.
"We know this can be a difficult time of year for many families and individuals, but by working together as One Stockport we can provide the advice, resources and community support our residents need to stay happy and healthy.”
The campaign also promotes simple steps to protect health over winter, including flu vaccinations, choosing the right NHS service when unwell, and checking in on neighbours or relatives who may be more isolated.
Stockport Homes will distribute 500 Winter Welfare Packs to vulnerable residents, while advice on cost-of-living support, mental health and wellbeing will be available through the council’s cost-of-living hub and Healthy Stockport website.
By working together, partners across the borough are ensuring residents have access to the right advice, support and spaces to get through the colder months.
For more information, visit One Stockport.
