Some Useful Resources From The Hackney Community Health Champions Programme
Winter cold days affect us all, but not everyone experiences them equally. For older adults living with frailty, people with long-term health conditions, or those facing structural disadvantages – such as lacking a warm home or access to hot, nourishing food – the colder months can bring significantly greater challenges and risks.
There are many simple and effective ways we can help our communities stay healthy and supported during winter. Friends, family, neighbours, and volunteers can work alongside local health services to make sure no one has to face the season alone.
That’s why Made In Hackney joined the forum and peer support sessions hosted by the Hackney Community Health Champions Programme, where we shared practical resources and guidance to help residents stay safe and supported during periods of severe cold weather – including advice on accessing warmth, health and financial support, food, and community check‑ins when temperatures drop.
Keeping Warm and Well during Winter: The graphic provides practical tips that can help people prepare and stay safe during colder months, such as keeping a home warmer, how to keep yourself warm and how to help others.  Â
Warm Welcome Spaces: this searchable site lists warm spaces, which are indoor spaces for Londoners to shelter from the cold. A Warm Welcome Space is a great place to share a cup of tea, connect with others, and make new friends.
Hackney: Here to Help: this website offers support for Hackney residents with financial struggles or benefits advice. The site includes potential financial support for food and fuel costs.
Hackney Energy Advice Team Drop-in: this website from Love Hackney includes information about Hackney energy advice sessions happening in local Hackney libraries. CREW Energy is running regular drop-in sessions to support residents who are experiencing financial difficulties, in partnership with Hackney Light and Power.
Get Help with Energy Bills: this website provides a list of the financial resources available to support residents with energy costs. Topics include Warm Home Discount Scheme. energy-saving improvement schemes and home energy support payments
This is especially relevant for our communities as the Amber Cold Weather Health Alert – the second-highest alert within the Cold Weather Health Alert system – remains in effect until 10:00 AM on 09/01/2026 across London. Please share this information with anyone who might benefit, make use of the resources available, and get in touch with local support services if you or someone you know needs help staying safe and warm during this cold spell.
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With the cold months ahead, support for our community cookery school is more urgent than ever. Your donation can help us provide warm meals, welcoming spaces, and shared cooking experiences that reduce social isolation and bring people together. Your impact can go twice as far this winter – every donation to our Crowdfunder is matched thanks to our generous funders Support+Feed and Mr Organic. Please consider donating and help us reach our goal by the end of January!
