A CAMPAIGN to help those in need stay safe, warm and connected during what is set to be a difficult winter has launched.

The One Colchester partnership, a multi-agency group featuring charity Community360, Colchester Council and others, will once again be distributing winter packs to vulnerable residents, families on low incomes and people with long-term medical conditions as part of its Winter Resilience campaign.

Due to the closure of the One Colchester Hub, in Culver Street East, new mobiles units will be set up across the borough in order to distribute the winter packs, which include things like torches, blankets, masks and refreshments.

Colchester Hospital will also have a dedicated supply of packs to distribute to patients leaving the site.

The mobile units will provide advice and support to residents including signposting them to appropriate services.

Tracy Rudling, chief executive office of Community360, said: "We are very aware the needs of the community will be quite different this year due to the pandemic.

"With this in mind as a partnership we are doing as much as we possibly can to reach those residents who are vulnerable and at risk.

"We are aware of the impact the virus has had on the health and morale of our communities, on the young and the old, as well issues around increased isolation, financial concerns and fear of the virus.”

Community360 has also launched a series of guided walks to encourage people in the borough to get active this winter.

Walks take place in Prettygate, Castle Park and at Abbey Field and are limited to groups of five people.

The charity has created a new Walk and Talk 4 Men Group, which will meet Colchester War Memorial, in High Street, every Tuesday from 11am.

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: "We have faced a very difficult few months and now, with winter approaching, it is crucial this year that residents can keep warm and look after themselves.

"Our ongoing partnership working and funding continues to support the excellent winter resilience project, offering free support for our residents to stay well and warm this winter."

The Winter Resilience project has been funded by North East Essex Alliance and supported by donations from Waitrose.

Visit community360.org.uk.