A CAMPAIGN to help those in need stay warm, well and connected is returning to Colchester this winter.

Strategic partnership One Colchester has relaunched its Winter Resilience scheme for 2019 meaning it will again be providing advice and support to the needy via the organisation's Culver Street base, delivering roadshows in the community and distributing winter packs to families on low incomes, people with respiratory conditions and long-term health problems.

A steering group, chaired by charity Community360, has brought together representatives from the voluntary and public sector to lead the operation over the upcoming winter months.

Tracy Rudling, chief executive officer of Community360, said: "We are delighted to be working once again with key partners who provide much needed help and support when things get tough during the winter months. Last year over 50 partners collaborated and we reached over 1000 people.

"A special thank you has to go to our wonderful team of volunteers who help our staff at the hub and help to resource our dedicated community team.

"Their help is invaluable, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to contact us to find out more information.”

Winter Packs include a simple guide on where to find support services like Colchester Council’s emergency heater scheme and social groups.

Each pack also includes clothing, basic refreshments and practical items like a torch and a blanket.

As well as the Culver Street centre, One Colchester is providing a steady supply of packs to Colchester Hospital for distribution to patients.

Through until March, the One Colchester Hub will serve as a focal point for activities to tackle social isolation and manage health and wellbeing from now until March.

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: "With winter approaching it is important residents keep warm and look after themselves.

"Thanks to partnership working and funding, the winter resilience project provides a number of ways for those affected by the cold weather to access free support to stay well, warm and connected this winter.”

The project is funded by North East Essex Alliance and support by donations from Waitrose, Tesco, Metro and Knit for Peace.

More information can be found at the One Colchester Hub from 10am until 3pm, Monday to Friday.