A PARTNERSHIP of caring organisations has delivered an action plan to support the vulnerable this winter.

One Colchester, which is made up of organisations including Community360, Colchester Council and Barnardos, has organised a series of roadshow events and has been distributing winter packs to those at risk from the cold weather.

Support and advice will also continue to be available at One Colchester’s shop, in Culver Street East, which is open Monday to Friday.

The projects are part of what is being called the Winter Resilience Project, which has been paid for by North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and Essex County Council as well as donations from other partners like Tesco, Asda and Lidl.

Tina Bourne, Colchester councillor responsible for housing and communities, said: “Thanks to partnership working, funding and community spirit, this project provides a number of ways for those affected by the cold weather to access free support to stay well, warm and connected this winter.”

Roadshows have already been held in Old Heath, St John’s, Highwoods and Greenstead, and will now move on to take place in Tiptree, Essex University and Wivenhoe.

Winter packs, which include a guide to services, clothing, refreshments and practical items will be distributed to those in need, including those leaving hospital.

Tracy Rudling, chairman of One Colchester, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest and take up of projects facilitated by the One Colchester partnership in response to the winter over the last 12 months.

“The success of the shop and its programme of activities, which will now include issuing clothes and toiletries, has demonstrated how collaborating to establish a central hub can make a difference to people in the borough.

“We would like to encourage anyone who would like to find out more about local services, get involved as a volunteer or access support, to visit us.”

To find out more about winter wellbeing, visit nhs.co.uk/staywell.