By Rebecca Kerr 

Struggling families in Stirling will be able to use ‘warm banks’ this winter, as temperatures fall and energy bills continue to rise.

Warm banks, similar to food banks but for those who can’t afford to heat their homes, offer free hot drinks, food and a place to keep warm – free of charge.

Warm banks have popped up in community centres, libraries and churches across the city. Most are funded by Stirling Council and ran by volunteers.

This comes after a soar in UK energy prices this year, with the average energy bill increasing by 27% in October and expected to increase by a further 20% in April 2023.

There are currently twelve warm banks in Stirling, with more expected to open in the coming months.

The map below shows the nearest warm bank to you:

Last month, local food bank ‘Start Up Stirling’ opened their doors to the public as a warm bank.

Their Callander warm bank is open every Wednesday from 12.30-2.30pm with volunteers from Citizens Advice Scotland on hand to give advice on energy bills, housing and benefits.

Start Up Stirling have also put together ‘warm kits’ for people to take home with them, filled with blankets and thermos mugs.

Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed has welcomed the efforts of volunteers across Stirling in opening warm banks this winter, saying:

“These proactive measures ensure that local residents have somewhere warm to go and will ease the pressure on already tight household budgets.

“The community spirit is commendable during a very difficult time where energy costs are unaffordable for many.

Tweed, however, said the responsibility should fall on the government to tackle these rising energy prices, not volunteers in the community.

She said: “It’s unacceptable that these [warm banks] are necessary. The Conservative government in Westminster has caused this cost of living crisis and is responsible for the struggle my constituents are facing to heat their homes.

“People are being forced to choose between food and heating and it’s clear that Conservative policies are having a real, harmful impact on te people of Scotland.”

There has been some government help towards energy bills in recent months, including a £400 energy rebate for every UK household and extra support for low-income households.

However, warm banks will remain open in Stirling as an extra helping hand this winter.