More than 60 local households received vital winter support during The Footprint Trust’s annual Winter Help Cafe.
The pop-up event transformed the Newport and Carisbrooke Town Council building into a bustling community hub. It brought together 15 separate support agencies under one roof, allowing residents to speak directly to experts for personalised help.
Visitors tackled rising living costs and winter worries over free hot drinks and biscuits, accessing tailored guidance on energy bills, employment, social support and mental health. With agencies such as Connect to Work, Age UK, Smoke Free.
Island, Wight Sense, Healthwatch, Crisis Resilience Fund and Living Well Early Help, to name a few, residents had a breadth of experience to draw from.
Organisers reported a “buzzing and positive” atmosphere as local services teamed up to provide a comprehensive safety net for the community ahead of the coldest months of the year.
Nidia, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) representative stated:
“We really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with members of the community and support the fantastic work being done by The Footprint Trust.”
The Footprint Trust provides free energy guidance and is actively working to lower the amount of households in fuel poverty on the Isle of Wight, it recognises that the need for support is not just for help in reducing energy bills but a combined approach with multiple agencies.
A Newport resident said:
“It is very useful – I come every year, you learn different things every time.”
Feedback from another resident was really positive:
“There was a great selection of support services. I have found one that will be useful in getting me back into work.”
By consolidating 15 distinct agencies into one central, accessible location, the event eliminated the hurdles that often prevent vulnerable residents from seeking help.
The Footprint Trust continues to bridge the gap between Island residents and the essential services they need to stay safe, warm, and supported this winter
