Heavitree residents offered a warm space this winter

A community library in Exeter is opening its doors to residents as a warm hub after being awarded a grant to tackle fuel poverty.

The £2,000 grant for Heavitree PCC has come from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s £5 million Community Matters Fund which is supporting hundreds of groups across the South West, Midlands and South Wales.

Heavitree Friendly Library meets twice per month at St Michael's church in Heavitree, offering a free library service for the community as well as a social space for people to meet. Each session includes a story time for parents and toddlers as well as opportunities for older members of the community to meet together and socialise.

Father Ben Rabjohns, Team Rector of Heavitree and St Mary Steps, said: “‘We are so grateful for the grant which will help us to deliver the Heavitree Friendly Library Project through this winter.

“Like everyone else, the church has been hit by rising energy costs and the grant will help us to continue to provide this warm and welcoming space for our local community. It will also help to provide the library with some new books – including some books given to the children who attend as gifts. Thank you so much for the support.”

Chris Hayton, Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: "Unfortunately, we know that many people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter. At a time when addressing fuel poverty has never been more critical, our Community Matters Fund will support local groups to deliver help where it’s most needed.

“We're looking forward to working with community groups like Heavitree PCC to create positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”