Following a brilliant response to the warm coat appeal, the Council is now inviting families struggling with the cost of living to collect warm coats for their children and teens.
In early autumn, the Council launched its warm coat appeal for a second year to support families to help keep their children warm this winter. The appeal has seen a huge amount of support and donations, meaning that families in need can now collect a warm coat for their children.
The coats can be collected from any of Derby’s Family Hubs, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. There’s no need to contact Family Hubs in advance.
Citizens can continue to donate any unused children’s coats to Family Hubs over the next few weeks to ensure we have enough to help all those in need this winter.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Customer Inclusion said:
We are incredibly grateful to the people of Derby who have so generously donated warm coats for children and teenagers. This can be a challenging time of year for families already struggling because of the cost of living.
I’d encourage any families who are worried about making ends meet this winter to not only collect coats from one of our Family Hubs but to also find out what other support is available. This can seem like a daunting time of year, but I want to reassure you that you are not alone, and help is available.
We already have a great stock of coats, but to support as many children and young people as possible, we need even more. If you have a new or nearly new winter coat that you’re able to donate, please do.
The warm coat appeal was first launched in 2022 to collect and distribute quality winter coats to families struggling with the rising cost of living. Last year, more than 450 new and pre-loved coats were donated and distributed across Derby.
Good quality coats are still being accepted at all of the city’s Family Hubs.. All baby, child and young adult coats in good condition are welcome. The appeal will run until February 2024.
Derby City Council has partnered with Community Action Derby to create an online hub with lots of useful support and guidance on managing the rising cost of living. There’s also more information on the Derby City Council website.