Dave Thomas: Torbay's lifeline for winter

We have already experienced a big chill earlier this year, and I expect we will have more periods of very cold weather coming over the rest of the winter period.

Last week we announced that we have funded a number of ‘Warm Spaces’ that are available across the Bay. 

We have done this as we know many people will feel the pinch this winter as fuel bills rise and many of you will have unfortunately had the winter fuel payment withdrawn. 

We want to help and to ensure no one suffers or is forced to make a choice between heating and eating. 

A Warm Space is a vital community-led initiative that helps people stay warm during these colder months without worrying about heating costs at home. 

These spaces are set up in local communities and provide a safe, welcoming environment for anyone in need of warmth, social interaction, and sometimes even a hot drink or meal. 

We have funded our Warms Spaces using the Household Support Fund and they are being delivered by Torbay Communities and the community and voluntary sector. 

I want to say a big thank you from me to our community partners who are pulling together to make sure no one in Torbay is at a disadvantage by helping to provide these Warm Spaces. 

Eight community venues will offer 22 Warm Space sessions every week across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. 

They are now open, ranging between two and five-and-a-half hours. They will offer socialising, food and support and advice on how to apply for pension credits. These Warms Spaces will be open until March.

So where can I visit a warm space? 

In Torquay Town Centre there is one at the Torbay Community Café and Help Hub on Temperance Street, behind McDonalds. There is also a Space at Riviera Life Church, Acorn Youth Community and Sports Centre, and the Windmill Centre. In Paignton you can visit Haven in Gerston Place and Foxhole Community Centre. In Brixham YES Brixham at The Edge on Bolton Street will be open. 

Please help us reach as many people as possible with this information so share among your friends and family. You can see the full list and the times the venues are open on our website – www.torbay.gov.uk/warm-spaces-col. You can also call the Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022 to find out more information. 

Finally, a damp, cold home is not just unpleasant to live in, it can end up being bad for your health. Our Housing Support team have been sharing tips on how to help you stay cosy at home and I thought I would share some of them here.

Ventilation is essential and by opening your windows for only 10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Make sure you use extractor fans and consider a dehumidifier to remove moisture after cooking and bathing. Another tip is to keep furniture away from walls too.

When it comes to heating your house, they say maintaining a steady temperature of at least 18 degrees celsius helps prevent condensation. If you are looking for free advice on how to help manage your energy bills, we have partnered with Exeter Community Energy who is providing this for those who live in Torbay. Take a look at their website (www.ecoe.org.uk) or call 0800 772 3617 or email healthyhomes@ecoeadvice.org.uk.

If your home or clothes smell musty, trust your nose, you may have hidden mould. Drying clothes outside helps reduce moisture in your home but as we know, our climate here at this time of year means we can sometimes not get many dry days. An extra dry spin cycle on your washing machine can help. 

If you do see mould; soapy water, white vinegar and natural mould sprays can help. But if you do find a bigger problem, get professional help. 

There is lots more advice about staying warm, dry and well this winter on our website, so please make sure you take a look.