Support this Winter
Warm spaces
This winter there are lots of places all over Coventry that are free to call in to throughout the day where you can find a warm welcome as well as access information, take part in activities, or connect with other support.
Please note each venue has different opening times.
Coventry Food venues
Food banks provide a minimum of three days’ emergency food to people in crisis, alongside additional support.
Food banks work with frontline professionals to identify people who need support and give them a food bank voucher. These professionals include local agencies like Family Hubs, housing associations, advice services, and social care, who are best placed to assess need.
Find out how you can get a food voucher
Social Supermarket, Grub Hub or Food Hub
In Coventry, the Coventry Food network has an established network of 15 social supermarkets who provide support to local residents who find themselves in difficult or challenging circumstances. Social Supermarkets, also known as Grub Hubs or Food Hubs offer discounted food parcels typically £25 worth of food for a cost of a £5 membership per week. They all have some criteria to ensure they are helping those who need it most.
Unlike a Food bank, you don’t need a voucher and you can self-refer.
‘Bin Feeling Down’ mental health awareness this winter
The ‘Bin Feeling Down’ initiative will promote the importance of looking after one’s mental health this winter. The campaign involves placing stickers on numerous rubbish bins in Coventry, as well as refuse lorries, encouraging individuals to prioritise their mental wellbeing.
Sonya Gardiner, Chief Operation Officer NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said:
This campaign will prove that we are here to support individuals facing a range of challenges, such as stress, long-term health conditions and perinatal struggles throughout this winter and beyond.
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
If SWEP is active then there are the following facilities available for support:
- accommodation
- sleeping facilities
- changing facilities
- showers
- clean clothing
- toiletries
- support services
- IT facilities
- food
- drink
- pets supported but outside
When SWEP is enacted those wishing to access the service should contact The Salvation Army at the Harnall Lifehouse in the first instance.
Here are some of our advice articles which you may find useful
Looking after your health during the Cost of Living crisis
Looking after your mental health
Choosing the right care
The NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is urging people to think about which service is right for their health needs this winter so they can be treated quicker and help reduce the pressure on local health services.
Pharmacy First Scheme
The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know by reading our advice article. Find out more
