Residents in Watford and the surrounding areas are encouraged to take advantage of a free pop-up event offering practical support and guidance for staying warm this winter.
The Hertfordshire Winter Fuel Support Roadshow is coming to more than 100 locations across the county, including Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, on Wednesday 25 November from 10:30am to 2pm.
Age UK Hertfordshire, Herts Help and Hertfordshire County Council are delivering the event with the aim of connecting local residents - especially older adults and low-income families - with the help and resources available to them.
Everyone Active, Watford Borough Council’s leisure operator, is hosting several of these events across its sites in the county, including the one at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “We are proud to support the Hertfordshire Winter Fuel Support Roadshow, which is bringing vital resources and assistance to Watford residents. This event is a fantastic opportunity particularly for older adults and low-income families, to access the help they need to get through the winter months. A big thank you to everyone who has helped organise this roadshow and to Everyone Active for hosting these events.”
Leanne Rodriguez-Reid, Contract Activity & Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We know a lot of people in our community are really struggling with the rise in energy bills and the cost of living. These events are about bringing that support directly to people and making sure no one falls through the cracks.
"The goal is to give people a warm, welcoming space where they can get the help they need, all in one place. Whether it's advice on applying for benefits or just having someone to talk to, we want to make sure no one has to face this winter alone."
At the Watford pop-up, a team of trained advisors will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance. This includes checking eligibility for Pension Credit and other benefits that can boost household incomes, as well as helping access the Welfare Assistance Scheme for food and energy vouchers.
The team will also be able to connect residents with additional services, such as Winter Welfare Checks, befriending programmes and carer support. In cases of extreme hardship, small grant payments may even be available.
The Watford event is one of a series of more than 100 pop-ups planned across both urban and rural areas of Hertfordshire over the coming months.
Tea and biscuits will also be provided.
The free Winter Warmer pop-up takes place at the Watford Woodside Leisure Centre on Monday 25 November from 10:30am to 2pm. There's no need to book - just turn up on the day.
