A NEW project aimed at helping vulnerable Maldon residents this winter will launch in November.

The Winter Warmth Partnership aims to those who might struggle to keep warm, buy food, fuel or essentials or keep well.

From November to February there will be two events a month allowing residents to drop in for advice and information.

People can get health advice and financial support over a hot drink or soup.

The partnership will also offer winter warmth packs to take away including items such as soap, tissues, long-life milk and porridge.

The first of two November sessions will take place between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on November 4 at Plantation Hall in Heybridge.

A second session will be from 11am to 3pm on November 30 at the Memorial Hall in Southminster.

Other sessions take place on the following dates:

  • Friday 4 November 12.30pm to 3.30pm Plantation Hall, Heybridge
  • Wednesday 30 November 11am to 3pm Southminster Memorial Hall
  • Friday 9 December 11am to 3pm Lawling Park Hall, Mayland
  • Thursday 15 December 11am to 3pm Burnham on Crouch Library
  • Thursday 5 January 11am to 3pm Maldon Library
  • Thursday 19 January 11am to 3pm Tollesbury Community Centre
  • Wednesday 15 February 11am to 3pm Tillingham Village Hall
  • Friday 24 February 11am to 3pm Althorne Village Hall

The partnership, which is funded by Essex County Council, is also seeking donations to help to fill the free bags.

Suggested items include:

  • Biros
  • Colouring pencils/colouring pads
  • Soap
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Mac in a Pack
  • Roll on deodorant (men and women)
  • Woolly hats and scarves all sizes
  • Fleeces all sizes
  • Base layers all sizes
  • Gloves all sizes
  • Socks all sizes
  • Packet Soups
  • Packet drinks
  • Torch
  • Handwarmers
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Porridge in small sachets
  • Long Life Milk (powdered variety)
  • Mac in a Pack
  • Hot Water Bottles normal and microwavable
  • Fleece or Cellular Blankets
  • Travel sweets in a tin
  • Magnifying glass
  • Energy bars (nut free only)

Items can be donated at the Maldon District Council offices in Princes Road, Maldon, before the end of October.