The Brick, is looking to ‘Wrap Up Wigan’ once again this winter, by calling on the community to donate a range of clothing including coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, for individuals and families facing hardship this winter.
Last year nearly 20% of households across Wigan were living in fuel poverty, and over 20% of excess winter deaths in Wigan were attributed to cold homes*1. These figures are expected to increase this winter.
In response, and for the first time, The Brick is looking for donations of slow cookers and electric blankets, ahead of the anticipated fuel poverty crisis, that is expected to impact 1000’s of people across the borough, due to the rise in energy costs.
Keely Dalfen, Finance and Commercial Director, at The Brick, said: “We will be continuing to provide wrap around support for people in crisis, for those facing homelessness, or for individuals and families who are facing food or fuel poverty. However, with winter fast approaching, and the increases in energy costs that we are all facing, we are calling on the community to come together once again, to donate coats, hats, gloves, socks, hot water bottles and hand warmers.
“This year we are extending our campaign and are asking for donations of slow cookers and electric blankets, for people facing fuel poverty. These items use less energy and could make a big difference for those who may be faced with the choice between heating or eating, this year.
Keely concludes: “Our Wrap-up Wigan campaign last year saw 100’s of coats and warm clothing donated, and we were able to give these items to vulnerable people in our community. Should anyone be able to donate any of these items of clothing, or slow cookers and electric blankets, we would all be extremely grateful, and this will go some way to helping the people in our community facing fuel poverty and an extremely challenging winter.”
The Brick is looking for donations of electric blankets (new), warm blankets, hot water bottles, hand warmers, thermal clothing (adults & children), padded coats, body warmers, fleeces, hats, gloves, socks, slippers, slow cookers.
People can donate or collect warm winter items at any of The Bricks retail shops:
- The Wigan Shop 160 Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7EA
- The Brick Works 4 Hodson St Wigan WN3 4EN
- The Leigh Shop 13 Railway Road Leigh WN7 4AA
To request an electric blanket or slow cooker please call The Brick on 01942 236953 or email enquiries@thebrick.org.uk
*There may be a waiting list for supplies of slow cookers and electric blankets.