Be Winter Prepared: New guide and drop-in events to help residents stay warm, well, and safe

Article date: 30 October 2025

With rising energy costs and colder months ahead, St Helens Borough Council is helping residents stay warm, well, and safe with a new 'Be Winter Prepared' guide.

The guide contains lots of useful advice to help you be prepared for the colder months and details of the organisations that could help, with things like heating your home, managing your costs, saving energy, maximising your benefits, looking after your physical and mental wellbeing, and avoiding scams.

6,000 homes identified as being particularly vulnerable to the cold will receive the guide through the post and local partners including GPs, Carers Centre and St Helens Libraries.

Alongside the guide's launch, St Helens Borough Council's Affordable Warmth and Welfare Team is hosting a series of drop-in events, where you can get help with reducing your energy bills, keeping your home warm and safe, accessing grants and financial support, and other practical tips and advice.

If you or someone you know could use some extra support this winter, come along for free advice and a warm welcome at:

• Chester Lane Library (Community Hub South), Tuesday 4 November, 10am-12:30pm
• Moss Bank Library, Friday 7 November, 10am-1pm
• St Helens Library (The World of Glass), Tuesday 11 November, 1pm-4pm
• Eccleston Library, Thursday 13 November, 11am-3pm
• Thatto Heath Library, Tuesday 18 November, 10am-1pm
• Rainhill Village Hall (including the Living Well Bus), Wednesday 19 November, 10am-2pm
• Seneley Green Community Hall, Thursday 20 November, 10:30 am-1pm
• Chain Lane Community Centre, Wednesday 26 November, 1:30pm-4pm
• Newton Library, Thursday 27 November, 11am-3pm
• Chester Lane Library (Community Hub South), Tuesday 2 December, 10am-12:30pm
• Rainford Village Hall, Tuesday 9 December, 10am-1pm
• Haydock Library, Thursday 18 December, 2pm-5pm

Councillor Trisha Long, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: "We know that keeping your home warm through the winter can be a real challenge, especially with rising energy costs. The Be Winter Prepared guide brings together practical advice and information on where to turn for help - whether that's accessing grants, managing your energy bills, or finding local support. No one should struggle alone this winter, and we're here to make sure every resident knows what help is available."

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, said: "Staying well in winter isn't just about warmth - it's also about looking after your physical and mental health. Simple steps like getting your flu or COVID vaccination, eating regular warm meals, and checking in with neighbours can make a real difference. These small actions help protect not only your own wellbeing but also that of our wider community."

For more tips and information on staying warm, well, and safe this winter - including cost-of-living support - visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/sthelenstogether.