Parishioners, volunteers and local councillors recently came together to mark the continuation of ‘Warm Spaces in The Bay’, with funding allocated for Age Concern in Shanklin and Christ Church in Sandown. Funding has been secured to allow the schemes to continue in both Sandown and Shanklin, with each warm space being given £2,000. Funding has also now been allocated for a warm space at Lake Methodist Church. Heather Whitchurch, coordinator at Shanklin’s Age Concern, has said:
“We are very aware of the financial pressures being faced by families at this time of year, with energy and food costs increasing, and we wanted to do something to help respond to the local need”.
Rev Mark Williams of Christ Church adds:
“Churches and voluntary groups have always been at the heart of local communities, and this initiative highlights the value and strength of working together for the benefit of those that need help”.
Sandown Mayor, Councillor Alex Lightfoot, has said:
“We are working with partners in Lake and Shanklin to sustain a support network, as well as make sure there is a warm space in each town in the Bay. “Councils in the Bay, with local groups and organisations, are building closer working relationships, such as youth and economic regeneration, and these much needed projects are an example of such a partnership approach”.
