With concerns about the cost of living the Town Council is working in partnership, under the Harpenden Cares umbrella, to support residents in a number of ways.
The Harpenden Cares partners offer considerable help in our community and collectively works towards a rounded, coordinated approach to local issues. From distribution of funds, to managing a hub of information and more besides, the partnership works together so ensure those in need are supported and have access to essential services.
Welcoming spaces in Harpenden
During the cold weather period, “Warm Spaces” opened in Harpenden in response to the rising cost of living. Following their success and popularity, many venues have decided to continue offering a welcoming place for all. Harpenden Town Council is very grateful to the incredible organisations we work with to provide this service. Thank you to the volunteers who enabled these venues to open and offer a warm space to those who needed it.
Here is a list of links to local organisations continuing to offer a welcome space with refreshments, company and a comfortable environment.
Harpenden Library - Harpenden Library | Hertfordshire County Council
High Street Methodist Church – Wesley’s Café - Welseys Cafe — High Street Methodist Church
Harpenden Memory Lane Café - Dementia Friendly Harpenden
Harpenden Trust Centre - The Harpenden Trust – We are here to help the AL5 community | The Harpenden Trust
St John’s Church - Home - St John’s Church (stjm.org.uk)
St Nicholas Church, Cornelia’s Cafe - Cornelias Café - Parish of Harpenden
Crabtree Church, Little Fishes - Little Fishes – Crabtree Church Harpenden
All Saints Church, Busy Bunnies - All Saints Children and Youth - Parish of Harpenden
ChristChurch - ChristChurch Harpenden | Parents & Toddlers
Batford Methodist Church - www.facebook.com/search/top?q=batford%20methodist%20church
Please click on the above links to check opening times and what's on offer.
This information is being updated regularly, if you organise or know about a warm space open to the public on a regular basis that isn't listed please let us know.
Food Banks
Click here to find up to date information about local food banks.
Citizens Advice
Advice is available over the phone on 01727 811 118 or 0800 144 8848 on Mondays to Thursdays, 10am-4pm and on Friday 10am-1pm, and also online: www.citizensadvice.org.uk If you can't call or visit their website, you can also visit in person on Mondays 10am-1pm at The Salvation Army, Leyton Green.
Support is available for people living with Dementia
Click here to read the Alzheimer's Society article if you are worried about how rising living costs will impact your finances if you live with dementia, or care for someone with the condition. Harpenden Town Council has committed to making Harpenden a Dementia Friendly Town, read about what this means on our Dementia Friendly page.
Harpenden’s Street Coordinators
One Harpenden Cares initiative, which began during the pandemic, is our network of Street Coordinators. Street Coordinators are volunteers who take on the responsibility of liaising with the Town Council and their neighbours: communicating important messages and assisting in looking out for vulnerable people. We’re pleased to report that we have a large number of volunteers across Harpenden who continue to help and we’re actively recruiting new people every week. This is an invaluable scheme as Street Coordinators are often the first point of contact in identifying where assistance is needed.
Our recent recruitment campaign has been successful and we now have Street Coordinators across Harpenden, however we would love to hear from you if your street doesn’t have a Coordinator and you are able to help. Get in touch if you can help!
Responding to winter weather
On a practical level, our Town Rangers work tirelessly over the winter period responding to the challenges that cold weather presents, from clearing public footpaths to dealing with emergency repairs. In addition, we are thankful for our army of ‘Snow Angel’ volunteers whose main responsibility of clearing snow and ice from the pavements allows more vulnerable residents to get out and about more safely.
You can read about our Snow Angels scheme on our Volunteering page. If you’re able to assist us in clearing snow in the future, in your local area, please contact us, this is a scheme that really makes a difference, particularly to more vulnerable members of our community.
Keep in touch
We are regularly updating our website with information and posting bulletins on our social media channels but if you know someone who is not online and they wish to get in touch you can find our contact details here.
