Motoring expert warns AGAINST viral de-icing TikTok hack this Christmas

We all know how it is, rushing to the shops to do some Chirstmas shopping, you have to be at work over Christmas to provide festive season cover, or you are in a hurry to collect your grandmother from the bus or train station to stay with you over Christmas and you find, to your annoyance, that the windscreen and windows of your car are all iced over. 

What about trying that quick and easy car defrosting hack that went viral on TikTok? You know the one! It's the one when drivers demonstrated defrosting their windscreen using a carrier bag filled with hot water?

But motoring expert Graham Conway, the MD of Select Car Leasing, warns the TikTok viral method could cause severe damage to your windscreen or windows if it's undertaken incorrectly.

Graham said: “Putting warm water, as against using boiling hot water, into a sandwich bag before sealing it and dragging the bag slowly across the face of the car windscreen or windows is a relatively safe hack. But if you make the mistake of using water that's too hot, you’re really asking for trouble. 

“Just like pouring boiling water directly onto a windscreen, the rapid change in extreme temperatures could cause the glass to crack."

Graham went on to add further cautions, saying: "I think there’s also a danger people could use the wrong type of bag.

“A sandwich bag is smooth, soft and pliable, and is unlikely to scratch the windscreen’s glass. 

“But using something like a more robust bag for life, for example, one with sharp edges on the bottom, isn't recommended, as you could easily end up scarring the windscreen and causing long-term damage to the glass.”

Mr Conway says motorists should always reach for regular spray-on de-icer as the first port of call. 

But he adds: “Another hack you can try is to mix three parts vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural antifreeze, and even just one quick spray will begin to break down the ice on your windows.

“You should also be careful about leaving your car running to heat-up the interior. 

“Many drivers automatically tend to wake up extra early to whack the heating up in their car. Whilst this won't consume a significant amount of fuel, it can actually shorten the life of your engine if done repeatedly.  

“For me, prevention is always better than cure. Cover your windscreen with cardboard, or a dedicated screen, overnight and you can also wrap carrier bags around your wing mirrors to stop them from freezing in the night, too.”

Below, Select’s Conway shares five things drivers can do the night before to keep the vehicle warm, helping to avoid dreaded early morning de-icing.

Park your car in an insulated garage

Whilst not everyone has the luxury of a garage, for those that do, make the most of it!

Keeping your vehicle in an insulated space overnight will keep the vehicle from reaching freezing temperatures. Even if the garage is uninsulated, your car will stay warmer than it will out in the open.

An alternative method of insulation is a car cover blanket. Whilst it will not only protect your car from scratches caused by bikes, bins, or treacherous weather conditions, it will also reduce the chance of windows frosting over. 

Heated blankets

Again, if you are lucky enough to have a garage, place some heated blankets across the interior of the vehicle the night before.

A cheap electric blanket (costing around £14) costs approximately 3p an hour to run, equalling around £1.37 if used for seven hours a day.

With this in mind, placing blankets across the seats will help produce heat inside the vehicle and minimise the defrosting process in the morning.

You can also buy electric blankets that actually plug straight into your car’s cigarette lighter terminal, to keep you toasty until your car warms up. 

Use the recirculation button

Whilst people can assume the recirculation button is only used to circulate cold air around the vehicle, it can also help to circulate hot air, too.

The air recirculation button works by cutting off the outside air to the inside of the car, helping to recirculate air inside your vehicle.

This will, effectively, be a catalyst for the hot air circulating around the vehicle when the car’s heater is on, helping to heat it quicker.

Invest in heated car seat covers

You can actually buy heated covers for your seats. They include a thermostat that, like how any thermostat would work, will heat the seat to an ideal temperature before then turning off.

When the seat begins to cool down, it will restart again. These are pretty cost-effective accessories to have, as well as protecting your sets from any dirty hands, accidental spills, crumbs, stains, dirt etc. 

Stock up on hand-warming packets

Especially for those with children, stock up on hand warmers that are completely self-efficient and will keep hands warm during the drive.

You can activate your hand-warming packets around 10-15 minutes before getting into the vehicle, and place them on the seats before the kids get in. 

Whilst slightly heating the car interior, they will, more importantly, keep little hands cold during the cold journey. 

That's Christmas would like to thank Select Car Leasing for their help in compiling this feature. Which has set us thinking. Does Santa have heated seats in the sleigh?

https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk

(Image courtesy of Karolina Grabowska and Pixabay)

Ryde partners with Port to improve last-mile deliveries in London

Ryde, a delivery service company providing businesses with the technology, people, and vehicles to create integrated logistics solutions, has announced a pilot program with Port, a pioneering e-mobility start-up that offers the industry-first, comprehensive e-mobility solution to the last-mile delivery industry.

Port provides fleets of light electric vehicles that are locked and charged in dedicated ports, installed in hubs across inner-city parkings. The vehicles are offered on a simple subscription in a full e-mobility package, which includes parking, charging, maintenance, and software. The wide range of electric vehicles, including bikes, mopeds, cargo bikes and scooters can cover up to 100 km on a single charge. They are easily accessible to the riders who can simply unlock an electric vehicle in the app, use it for deliveries, and return it back to the hub upon finishing work.

For the duration of the pilot, Ryde has rented all e-vehicles from the Port hub in Q-Park Leicester Square parking in London. Using Port’s software platform, Ryde will grant free access to these vehicles to a selected group of Ryde couriers. Convenient location of the hub makes it easily accessible by public transport, including the Tube, buses, as well as trains terminating at the nearby Charing Cross station. This allows couriers living all around Greater London to receive jobs in the busy West End area, without the hassle of bringing their own vehicle. The pilot program is open for a limited group of couriers, selected on a basis of their productivity and performance.

“We’re building a same-day delivery business that is people and planet friendly, we are working with an unwavering dedication to support our riders, as their higher engagement results in overall better experiences for end customers. 

"We are pleased to partner with Port, as it provides the industry-first, end-to-end e-mobility solution that helps us reduce carbon footprint, improve courier convenience and increase overall efficiency. As a rider-first business, equipping our riders with efficient electric vehicles is another step to further strengthen our leading offering for businesses, riders and residents of the cities“, says Duncan Mitchell, Co-Founder and CEO of Ryde.

"Our mission is to enhance last-mile logistics and the last-mile delivery sector to reach net zero emissions and to fully capitalise on the benefits of light electric vehicles. We believe that by using the existing parking infrastructure and removing the burden of fleet management and vehicle maintenance, we can add significant value to the whole last-mile ecosystem. 

"That includes not just the delivery companies and couriers, but most of all, residents, and communities within cities. We are thrilled to partner with Ryde to help them lead the shift in the industry”, says Kamil Suda, founder and CEO of Port.

Ryde co-founders Duncan Mitchell and Tom Nimmo, both veterans in the gig-economy tech, launched Ryde with a mission to improve the working lives of delivery riders and drivers. Following the boom in deliveries spurred by the pandemic, Mitchell and Nimmo saw the opportunity to make measurable improvements for riders through partnerships, support, and superior technology to optimize work. 

Their unique, shift-based approach to on-demand delivery helps their customers reduce costs and improve overall productivity. Riders also gain the advantage of shift-based work, with greater job security and better pay than traditional on-demand jobs.

The dark hub in Q-Park Leicester Square follows two years of R&D and successful trials by Port. At the heart of the system is dedicated fleet management software and the world’s first, patented universal docking station that can lock and charge any small electric vehicle. The wide range of EVs covers all the needs of last-mile logistics, including deliverers of food, parcels and groceries. Port is taking its first steps to expand across Europe, with hubs opening in new cities in the upcoming weeks.

https://www.ryde.team.

Water Charity Winter Solstice & Alternative Christmas eCards now Available

With the Winter Solstice less than a fortnight away, Hope Spring eCards is set to delight its supporters with the introduction of a set of Winter Solstice and Alternative Christmas ecards, besides a collection of interesting features on its ecard website. 

The features, announced on the charity ecard's Twitter handle today,12th of December 2022, include a multi-recipient button, a WhatsApp eCards share button, and a promo code to send a free ecard this Winter Solstice and Christmas.

The longest night as well as the shortest day of the year, which occurs on December 21st, is marked by the winter solstice, when the sun is at its lowest point of the year. Pagans and others who regard the solstice as a significant day of the year celebrate it greatly.

Hope Spring eCards, the Hope Spring Water Charity's ecard platform, offers a variety of ecards for special occasions and holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and birthdays. The platform's extensive collection of greeting ecards has been expanded even more with the addition of a new set of winter solstice ecards.

Seun Olonade, an ecard designer for Hope Spring, acknowledged the benefits of the newly released solstice cards, saying, "The winter solstice is a really important day, and in winter solstice 2021, we added some new ecards but we later figured out they were still not as inclusive as our traffic demands, so we decided to add this new collection of ecards this year.

"We ensure key components and messages of the winter solstice are adequately portrayed in our creations."

"We are certain anyone receiving one of our winter solstice ecards will be really pleased and delighted. We are certain the recipient will be pleased with what they find in their inbox," he added.

With the solstice less than two weeks away and Christmas coming up just four days after it, the charity is anticipating a more "impactful" year for its water poverty as well as period poverty alleviation projects, and is hoping for more generous donations from those who send ecards on these two significant occasions.

December is the busiest month in the Hope Spring calendar, as well as that of almost every charity in Britain. Charities up and down the country, including Hope Spring, are waiting to see how the cost of living crisis will affect how generous or otherwise their supporters will be in the winter solstice 2022 fundraiser.

http://www.hopespring.org.uk

Last minute Christmas shopping? Home Bargains should be your go to place!

If you have some last minute Christmas shopping that you need to get, Home Bargains is your answer.

I have been waiting for a package to arrive and although it was posted First Class on 2nd December it arrived this morning the 12th of December. But beating that a parcel posted on 28th October with Royal Mail 2nd Class was delivered with it, thus it took the best part of two months to arrive due to the postal strikes.

So, if you are waiting for Christmas presents to arrive with Royal Mail, you could find them arriving in February due to the strike action.

As a fallback option I think a visit to your nearest Home Bargain will be in order to buy some "emergency" Christmas presents. And you can rest assured that Home Bargains prices will not break the banks.

What's available? Wi-Fi cameras, flame effect stoves, kitchen blenders, Christmas jumpers, batteries, mini compressors, game controllers, kitchen scales, Christmas lights, kettles, selected Christmas gifts for men, women and children, homeware items,  Pro-Therapy Pro Impact Massagers, coffee makers, panini makers, toasters, waffle and doughnut makers, juicers, electric woks, adjustable laptop stands, computer gear, hair dryers, social media ring lights, Bluetooth speakers, unicorn headphones, motion tracker camera stands, soundbars, toys, games, gifts for your pets, warm throws, bedding, slippers, socks and more besides.

They also sell a very good range of groceries and frozen foods, nuts, dates, snacks, cheeses, deserts, tea, drinking chocolate and drinks (soft and alcoholic) and more besides all at prices you will recall from years go!

Incidentally, Home Bargains is where we buy unsalted nuts for our parrot!

To find out the location of your nearest Home Bargains branch please visit https://www.homebargains.co.uk.

Got Christmas presents to buy for a gardener? Thompson and Morgan have the answers

Thompson & Morgan is proud to offer a fantastic array of gardening tools and equipment to take the hard work out of keeping gardens looking great.

Tidy, trim and transform your garden with these great gadgets for removing weeds and fallen leaves, plus maintain a handsome hedge.

As seen on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend!

Garden Gear Weed Sweeper with Spare Brushes

Put an end to back-breaking stooping and bending over with this amazing electric weed sweeper! If your patio or driveway is overgrown with weed or moss, this clever device will eliminate them with ease.

Ideal for tricky gaps & edges

Designed to tackle hard-to-reach weeds, moss and dirt, the weed sweeper gets between slabs and blocks, plus is perfect for path edges.

Comfortable and easy to use, simply push along and the high-speed nylon or steel wire brushes supplied will remove debris in an instant.

Pesticide-free weed control

With a powerful 140W motor, the nylon brush is perfect for light vegetation and the steel brush is ideal for tougher tasks, removing weeds without toxic chemicals and pesticides, making things more eco-friendly and safer for pets, wildlife and your plants.

Weighing just 1.7kg, this electric weed sweeper is supplied with a clear safety hood to protect your eyes from debris and a 10m power cable.

Images shows TV presenters Alan Titchmarsh and David Domoney behind a potting bench on the set of the TV show 'Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh' with a selection of the best garden equipment, showing the Garden Gear Weed Sweeper front and centre of the image.

Garden Gear Weed Sweeper with Spare Brushes

Code: G4674

£59.99

Remove, collect & shred leaves in one easy motion!

Garden Gear 3500W 3-in-1 Blower, Vacuum and Shredder

This powerful 3500W 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and shredder is an all-in-one solution for removing fallen leaves and cut grass from gardens and paths.

Highly-effective leaf & debris collection

The powerful motor collects debris effectively into with a large 45-litre collection bag, which means fewer trips to empty it. The mulching function makes collected leaves ready for composting straight from the bag.

It's easy & comfortable to use. 

The blower and vacuum functions are simple in use, requiring just the flip of a switch to change function, plus this marvellous machine has an adjustable power level.

Garden Gear 3500W 3-in-1 Blower, Vacuum and Shredder

Code: G3715

£49.99

Keep pathways & lawns clear of leaves & debris

Garden Gear 1800W Garden Push Vac & Blower

The garden push vac and blower is designed to make light work of clearing up, mulching leaves and debris straight into the clip-on collecting bag, ready for composting.

This powerful 1800W machine boasts a large 45-litre collection bag and four adjustable heights to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Garden Gear 1800W Garden Push Vac & Blower

Code: G4080

£169.99

Handy for keeping your hedge handsome

Garden Gear 20V Cordless Lithium-ion

Telescopic Hedge Trimmer

This cordless trimmer helps you keep your garden hedges and bushy plants looking tidy, easily taking care of the hardest-to-reach places with minimal effort.

Once fully charged, the 20V lithium-ion battery provides up to 60 minutes of operation and weighing just 4kg, it’s light and easy to use too.

Easily adjustable angles for precision cutting

The trimmer head can be locked into five different cutting positions and the razor-sharp 51cm double-action reciprocating blade will cut stems up to 15.5mm in diameter.

Garden Gear 20V Cordless Lithium-ion Telescopic Hedge Trimmer

Code: G1167

£119.99

https://www.thompson-morgan.com.

M&S Food Reaches Milestone Of 50million Meals Donated to Local Charities Across UK

M&S Food has donated over 50million meals to local charities in the past seven years through its partnership with Neighbourly, designed to tackle food waste in-store.

Over 2,700 good causes, including after school clubs to food banks, have benefitted from the donations of edible unsold fresh, ambient and chilled food from M&S stores, with over 6,000 in total benefitting from the partnership with Neighbourly.

Especially at this time of year, local groups across the UK are seeing demand for support surge due to the cost of living. Neighbourly’s latest community survey found 83% of groups are already seeing more demand, while 61% say they’ve seen a drop in food donations from the public. 73% say they would like more food items to be able to support those who need to use their services.

To provide further support for those in need in the run up to Christmas, M&S is donating 95,000 ambient products directly to groups that need them, worth a total of £50,000. This builds on its existing £1 million donation to help 1,000 local community groups, supported by Neighbourly, as part of its Christmas ‘Gifts That Give’ Clothing and Home campaign.

M&S customers wanting to donate items themselves can do so through in-store donation points, which are collected by local charity representatives via Neighbourly, as well as selecting the Neighbourly Foundation as their chosen charity in the UK. 

Every time customers shop with Sparks, M&S donates to their chosen charity. Customers can also find choices in-store to help reduce waste, such as frozen garlic bread made from unsold loaves and baguettes.

Andrew Clappen, Technical Director at M&S Food, said: “Across M&S, we’re extremely proud to have donated 50m meals to fantastic causes across the UK. M&S colleagues are going above and beyond to make sure any surplus edible food reaches those who need it most. Over the past seven years, our stores have developed long lasting relationships with charities at the heart of their community. As we approach Christmas, the hard work will continue to make sure no M&S Food goes to waste.”

“Redistributing edible surplus food is just one part of the puzzle though. We’re determined to tackle food waste, in-store, at source and across customer households. We’ve made progress by removing best before dates across fruit and vegetables, improving our forecasting system and working with suppliers – but there’s still more to do.”

M&S teamed up with distribution platform Neighbourly in 2015, and during the Covid pandemic, accelerated the roll-out of a new app to make it even easier for stores to donate surplus food. The partnership is central to the retailer’s plan to tackle food waste, in line with its Plan A target for 100% of edible surplus to be redistributed by 2025. Currently, 89% on average is redistributed.

Alongside an improved forecasting system, M&S has also updated its food redistribution policies for suppliers to minimise waste. Across stores, colleagues are also able to take home any edible surplus waste that is not able to reach charities or local groups.

Bay20 Community Centre in London used pasta donations from M&S to create pasta bakes for the local residents they support.

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The cost-of-living crisis means more families are relying on their local community charities for food and other services and will do in the run up to Christmas. As our latest community survey shows, support needs to keep up with demand. Our partnership with M&S has made a huge difference to over 6,000 good causes in the Neighbourly network since 2015, and the additional ambient donation is already helping to support struggling families across the UK.”

Poole Waste Not Want Not is one of the charities that has benefitted from M&S’ partnership with Neighbourly. Joined up with M&S’ Ferndown and Broadstone stores, the group receives surplus edible food, as well as any donations from customers via the in-store donation point. The ‘social supermarket’ supports 428 households and provides food with dignity to those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. 

The group offers beneficiaries a choice of food and have also opened a coffee shop area to offer other services to help families in the longer-term, such as budgeting advice, training opportunities and to encourage social groups which help reduce loneliness.

Besides helping reduce food waste in-store and at source, M&S is also taking steps to help customers live more sustainably. Earlier this year, the retailer removed best before dates from over 300 products in a bid to help tackle household food waste, while its Sparking Change challenge provides advice to customers on storing food properly to make it last longer, recipes for leftovers and encourages customers to explore plant proteins.

Best European Christmas markets to get you in the Christmas spirit

Christmas is at hand, it's only a short time away and lovers of the festive season are now being given tips on the best festive markets to visit throughout Europe.  

The team at Busuu have researched eight of the most joyful European Christmas markets to visit this year to get into the festive spirit. 

From a delicious fresh hot chocolate in Brussels to a chimney cake in Budapest, the options for food are countless, as are the Christmas themed activities across the markets. 

Local traders will be looking to bring festive spirit to the public, with food, drinks, crafts and handmade gifts featuring on the very best Christmas markets across Europe. 

A spokesperson for Busuu said: “Christmas markets are truly one of the best ways to really get into the festive spirit. 

“With mulled wine and hot chocolate, traditional foods and roasted marshmallows, handcrafted gifts and ice skating, Europe certainly knows how best to do markets at Christmas time.  

“Every country has different Christmas traditions but they all have one theme in common: spending time with loved ones over the Christmas period.  

“Now is the ideal time to take a short break away to Europe with your nearest and dearest to take a look round what each market has to offer.” 

Here are Busuu’s top eight European Christmas markets to visit this Christmas: 

1. Munich, Germany 

The Munich market will be held around the Marienplatz this year. It dates back to the 14th century, with stalls showcasing Bavarian charm including arts, craft and delicious culinary treats.  Fun activities include The Himmelswerkstatt (Heavenly Workshop) for children aged 6-12 with free crafting activities. 

Running until 24th December 2022. 

2. Basel, Switzerland 

Considered to be one of the prettiest Christmas markets in the country of Switzerland, the market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz will host 130 unique stalls boasting everything from painted baubles to hand-painted cookies. After a bite to eat, head over to the cathedral to admire the beautiful fairy lights and get a family snap for Instagram.  

Running until 23 December 2022.  

3. Poznan, Poland  

Poznan’s famous International ice sculpting competition is the largest contest of its kind in Europe and it returns for another year in the Old Market Square. Watch artists sculpt large blocks of ice whilst enjoying the historic atmosphere and architecture the city of Poznan has to offer.  

Running until 27th December 2022. 

4. Budapest, Hungary 

The glorious St. Stephen's Basilica provides a wonderful scenic backdrop ti the capital's festive Advent. There you will find beautiful handicrafts and special Hungarian delicacies including Chimney Cake. Chimney cake is a sweet dough, rolled in sugar and baked on hot charcoal. They’re coated in festive flavours including cinnamon, vanilla, cacao and walnut.  

Running until 1st January 2023.  

5. London, England  

Hosted in England's capital, the extremely popular Winter Wonderland is back for another year and bigger than ever. With ice sculpting classes and roller coasters, London’s biggest festive event has everything you could dream of for the perfect festive day out.  

Running until 2nd January 2023.  

6. Brussels, Belgium 

Brussels really comes to life with its Christmas markets. The cobbled streets and squares are filled with snow-dusted chalets, pop up eateries and buzzing bars. The markets take place on and around Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons. 

Running until 1st January 2023. 

7. Prague, Czech Republic 

The Prague Christmas Markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with stalls, tasty food and dekicious local drinks to enjoy. Popular foods to enjoy include large hams roasted on spits, smoked sweet meat dumplings and pancakes. Other attractions include nativity scenes and carol singing by local school children. In Old Town Square is the giant Christmas tree dressed in baubles and lights.  

Running until 6 January 2023.  

8. Salzburg, Austria 

Salzburg's Christmas market dates back to 1491 and takes place on Cathedral Square, located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the Cathedral of Salzburg. It’s the perfect place to shop, you'll be tempted by the delicious smell of apples and enjoy the warming festive drinks. Other highlights include the Advent Brass Concert, folk song and dance performances and exciting processions.  

Running until 1st January 2023. 

To find out how to get to them and for more details visit https://www.busuu.com.

(Image of Salzburg at Chirstmas courtesy of Inn and Pixabay)

Beyond Meat for your Christmas dinner. Everyone will want to try it

If your entire family is vegetarian or vegan, or if you have a vegetarian or vegan family member or will be hosting a vegetarian or vegan guest, you will be wanting to provide a vegetarian or vegan alternative to  turkey, roast beef, lamb or duck. 

And having eaten nut roast for Christmas dinner on several occasions, that's not an experience which I would like to repeat, to be perfectly honest.

However, that was several years ago and now plant-based meat alternatives are available that actually taste pretty darn good. One of the best of these newer vegan taste sensations is the Beyond Meat Company.

They produce meatballs, minced meat and sausages all of which are extremely tasty. But in this blog post we are going to concentrate on their mince product.

What we are suggesting is that you obtain some Beyond Meat mince and use it to replace mince meat in a meatloaf recipe which you could use as your meat replacement for your Christmas dinner. Even non-vegans will want to give it a try!

Or, if you'd rather, why not simply serve up Beyond Meat plant-based burgers and sausages as your Christmas meat dish?

You can buy Beyond Meat products at most supermarkets and some other retailers. 

You can learn more (plus check out some delicious recipes) here https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-GB/products/beyond-beef.

Incidentally, you can find Beyond Meat products used by many restaurants including Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Wetherspoon. 

If you are own a restaurant please ask Beyond Meats how you can keep your customers happy with Beyond Meat products.

Blue light worker? Don't worry! Asda has got you covered until next March

Asda has announced it is to it extend its 10% off offer for emergency workers who have valid Blue Light Card until at least 31st March 2023.

The discount is available in all Asda’s 635 stores across the UK and includes food and drink, George at Asda clothing and homeware, toys, gifts and optical. 

Blue Light card holders will receive the discount by presenting their own, valid, Blue Light card and ID to Asda colleagues when they reach the checkout.

The Blue Light Card is a nationally recognised scheme which provides workers in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and the armed forces with a range of discounts. Asda has extended its discount for card holders to acknowledge the amazing work they do each and every day to keep everyone safe.

Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner, said: “We're really delighted to have extended our partnership with the Blue Light Card into its third year until the end of March 2023. 

"Our emergency services personnel do an incredible job and we’re happy to be able to continue this discount, along with our own Asda Rewards loyalty scheme and our everyday low prices, into the new year.”

Tom Dalby, CEO at Blue Light Card, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with ASDA and understand how much it means to our members, especially at this time of year. The exclusive 10% discount across food and soft drinks, George clothing and homeware, toys, gifts and optical helps to support families and individuals across the UK during what is a tough period for many and really highlights ASDA’s appreciation of NHS staff and other frontline workers.”

The Asda discount is valid in stores only (not online) and the terms and conditions are available on the following link Blue Light Discount Terms & Conditions https://www.asda.com/blue-light-card-terms-and-conditions.

Full terms and conditions for the Blue Light discount can be found here (https://www.asda.com/blue-light-card-terms-and-conditions)

(Image courtesy of PublicDomainPictures and Pixabay)

Want to make a difference? The Co-op wants to fund warm spaces. Your group can apply

As winter looms, Co-op has become the first retailer to launch a £1 million ‘Warm Spaces’ funding boost, to provide urgent support to local community organisations across the UK, as they help communities navigate rising energy costs during the cold winter months.

This funding comes as a welcome boost, with insight from over1,600 local community causes across the UK showing almost two-thirds (59%) of projects experienced a shortfall in funding over the past year. In excess of three-quarters (84%) of local causes saw an increase in demand on their services, especially groups providing support for people to help them get through the cost-of-living crisis.

Over a quarter (26%) of community projects revealed they were thinking about needing to cut services as a result of the shortfalls in funding, and, worryingly, a tenth (10%) of local projects had already closed or cut services.

In support, funds raised by Co-op members are helping local groups provide warm spaces for people to use over the coldest winter months, through its newly established partnership with Crowdfunder. 

Eligible groups who are already offering a warm space, or wanting to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities this winter can apply for the £1m match funding, that's up to £3,000 per group is available by applying at coop.uk/warmspaces by 28th February 2023 (fundraising to be completed by 31st March 2023).

Projects eligible to apply could include a community café requiring funding to continue offering their building as a warm space; a local village support group needing to extend existing activities to support more people in their local community; a community 'fridge, needing to promote their services more widely to meet increasing need or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.

Said Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at the Co-op: “As our Co-op research shows, we've a huge role to play in backing and supporting community groups and the people they help during the cost-of-living crisis.

“Funding for warm spaces forms part of our response to our community missions of access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people. Launching this funding boots will help groups keep their lights and heating on as they bring communities together to keep warm in the coldest months of the year– increasing overall wellbeing. 

"It may also mean people don’t have to choose between accessing food or heating this winter. Plus, having a warm space allows the community to take a break from their everyday worries, improving their mental wellbeing, too.

“The £1m funding boost wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us. Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder or take part by using the services that are being funded.”

Rob Love, founder and CEO of Crowdfunder said: “Crowdfunder are delighted to have partnered with Co-op to help keep communities warm this winter. This vital funding is needed now more than ever to make sure there are enough warm spaces open throughout the colder months. Through Crowdfunder, we are able to connect funding from large organisations such as the Co-op with thousands of small charities and community projects who are desperately in need of help”

Sue Collins, Caxton House Community Centre, a long-established multi-purpose Community Hub in North London said: “We've been overwhelmed by the responses regarding the anxiety, stress and increased mental health issues that the current cost of living crisis is causing. 

"Families and older residents have regularly told us they've had to cut down on food as prices have doubled and we receive regular calls asking for emergency help, reminiscent of the first Covid lockdown. 

"We're aware some residents aren't heating their homes and that this will get worse as we progress into the winter months. We want to be able to offer extra advice and support, at a time when our own costs for gas in the centre is increasing from £5,000 annually to an anticipated £50,000+.

“We have opened ‘warm rooms’ providing spaces for residents to keep warm, socialise and access refreshments. We have lots of different activities on different days that include arts and crafts, as well as access to advice including money saving energy tips, budgeting and debt advice, mental health and well-being support. 

"Residents can also charge electrical equipment and fill flasks, with some sessions allowing access to hot food, and pre-prepared meals that can be microwaved at home, saving having to put on an oven.”

Since 2016 Co-op members have helped raise an incredible £117 million for local communities, which includes 30,000 Local Community Fund projects supported, funding over 280 fridges with Hubbub, building the network to 350 'fridges by end of 2022. Expanding the Your Local Pantry network to 225 within the next 3 years, providing more communities with sustainable solutions to access to food.

In addition to signposting 900,000 people to helpful mental wellbeing information and services with Mind, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and Inspire, and helping 6,000 young people make communities safer and fairer places to live through our Peer Action Collective.

For further information and match funding criteria visit coop.uk/warmspaces.