As part of our efforts to support residents through the cost of living crisis, we are establishing community ‘warm places’ – already existing warm spaces where people are welcome to come. 

We are starting with our own libraries where anyone who wants to, can come inside and not only get warm but also access support and advice.

Libraries taking part

  • Brynteg Library 
  • Cefn Mawr Library 
  • Chirk Library 
  • Coedpoeth Library
  • Gwersyllt Library
  • Llay Library
  • Overton Library 
  • Rhos Library 
  • Ruabon Library 
  • Wrexham Library 

You can find opening times and addresses on the ‘your local library’ page. 

Other Warm Places

Warm Places grants – expression of interest

We are keen to work with any community group or organisation that would be able to provide warm spaces within their community. If you are a group or organisation who can provide a warm place please email warmplaces@wrexham.gov.uk.

In your email, please include the following details:

  • Organisation name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Telephone number
  • Contact person

Please note it is an expectation that the basic offer of a warm place is free of charge to all attendees.

Support and advice

People can access support and advice from organisations on select dates at the different libraries across Wrexham. These drop in sessions will take place at the following locations:

  • Friday, October 7, 2022 - Wrexham Library, 10am - 2pm
  • Friday, October 21, 2022 - Cefn Mawr Library, 10am - 2pm
  • Friday, November 4, 2022 - Brynteg Library, 12pm - 3pm
  • Friday, November 18, 2022 - Chirk Library, 10am - 2pm
  • Friday, December 2, 2022 - Coedpoeth Library, 2pm - 5pm
  • Friday, December 16, 2022 - Rhos Library, 11am - 3pm
  • Friday, January 6, 2023 - Gwersyllt Library, 2pm - 5pm
  • Friday, January 20, 2023 - Ruabon Library, 2pm - 5pm
  • Friday, February 3, 2023 - Llay Library, 2pm - 5pm
  • Friday, February 17, 2023 - Wrexham Library, 10am - 2pm

Income and finance advice

If you are struggling to pay your bills, you may be entitled to financial help and advice.

The Nest scheme (external link)
Offers free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, free home efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, or solar panels.
Citizens Advice: Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills (external link)
Welsh Government: Claim what’s yours (external link)
Support to help you claim the benefits you’re entitled to.

If you’re a council tenant you can also access support, advice and guidance through the Financial Inclusion Officers based in your local housing estate offices.

Home energy saving advice

Some easy steps you can take to save energy at home include:

  • Replacing traditional lightbulbs with LED bulbs which use less energy
  • Draught proofing your home, using foam tubing on windows and a draught brush on your letterbox
  • Filling your washing machine each time you use it, so you have fewer loads
  • Only boiling the amount of water you need
  • Making sure any devices aren’t left on standby
  • Adjusting your radiator thermostats (if you have them)
  • Insulating your hot water cylinder
  • Checking your boiler pressure (external link)

The following organisations offer advice on ways to reduce your energy usage and save money.

Groundwork North Wales: LEAP (external link)
If you are eligible, a LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) advisor can give you free personalised advice on how to save energy and money
Citizens Advice: How to get the most from your energy supply (external link)
Energy Saving Trust: How to be more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills (external link)
National Energy Action (external link)
National fuel poverty charity that offers advice and support to help you heat your home
GOV.UK: Find ways to save energy in your home (external link)

Energy saving advice for businesses

You could reduce energy costs for your business by:

  • Conducting your own energy audit
  • Switching your energy supplier, or changing to a new tariff
  • Making sure any devices aren’t left on standby
  • Encouraging the people you work with to be energy efficient

If you have the budget, these steps could help you save money in the long term:

  • Getting incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs
  • Getting energy-efficient office equipment
  • Getting a programmable thermostat installed
  • Getting your workplace appropriately insulated
  • Getting energy management software, which lets you know if you’re using too much energy

The following organisations offer advice on ways to reduce energy usage and save money.

Business Wales: Retail Energy (external link)
Business Wales: Office Energy (external link)
Business Wales: Industrial Energy (external link)
Welsh Government Energy Service: Energy Saving Trust (external link)

Other tips/advice

The following organisations offer advice on saving money by reducing your impact on the environment.

Love Food Hate Waste (external link)
How to save money on your shopping bill, create less costly nutritious meals, grow your own vegetables and fruit, and avoid food waste.
Recycle Now: Ways to reduce the amount of waste you create (external link)
Transport For Wales: Active Travel (external link)
Advice on travelling more sustainably.
Energy Saving Trust: Shared travel advice (external link)
WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator (external link)
Wales Recycles: How to set up home composting (external link)