Winter clothing event launched to help Walsall residents keep warm

A community hub in Walsall has launched its first ever winter warm clothing giveaway this week.

Reform UK Councillor Tabbi Awotwe brought the initiative to Goscote Greenacres Community Garden after finding many residents struggling over the winter period.

The official opening was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony from the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Alan Fleming QRM.

Councillor Awotwe, ward member for Harden, Goscote and Ryecroft, said: “When we became councillors, we did some studies to see what our residents are looking out for. We realised that most of them are struggling.

“We decided to hold this event to try and address the problems. This is going to be an annual event where residents can support each other.”

Fellow ward members for Harden, Goscote and Ryecroft, Councillors Lisa Jones and Robin Perry, were also in attendance.

The pair said many residents who get in touch with them are struggling to make ends meet.

Councillor Jones said: “Energy bills are going up so things are going to be getting worse. As a community we all have to come together.

“Yesterday, somebody that was homeless contacted me. He’s living in his car but couldn’t get any benefits because he had a job. There are so many people falling through the cracks that need help. People are out there that can’t access support because they don’t tick a box.”

Councillor Perry said: “There’s a lady who reached out to me a couple of weeks ago, panicking because she was being taken to court for council tax arrears. She didn’t know who to turn to.

“It turned out she had actually paid it but it hadn’t been credited to her. We’re here, not just for the people of this ward but anybody who needs us.”

Councillor Jones added: “Sometimes people just need a stop gap. From each day to the next you can lose your job and how long does it take to get benefits? We need to do a lot more and that’s the message we’re trying to bring.”

Chair of the board for Goscote Greenacres Community Garden, Mick Moreton said: “Having the warm clothes for people is really important. We’re also trying to move this place more to looking after the environment and recycling. So the fact that people can come here, get clothes, and not buy from Shein is very important.”

By Rachel Alexander | Local Democracy Reporting Service