Suffolk Libraries launch campaign to help people this winter

The 'Be Kind in Kind' initiative will see the charity open all 45 of its libraries in a bid to make a difference to the community.

Already offering warm spaces to those who are struggling to pay for heating, the county's libraries will also offer free hot drinks, kindness racks - so people can pick donated clothes - hygiene products and a safe place to meet people.

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: "We are here to meet the needs and support our communities.

Bruce Leeke, chief executive at Suffolk Libraries (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

"We will be offering a range of support schemes, as well as teaching skills such as sewing how to save money.

"We understand the challenge we face but initiatives like this are crucial.

"People need to know then when they need us, we will be there."

Services at the libraries are free of charge, with an option to donate a small amount. 

Mandy Grimwood is the manager of Gainsborough Community Library, where the launch event for the campaign was held.

"We're so glad we can help but we're also sad in a situation where people need this support," she said.

Mandy Grimwood, manager at Gainsborough Community Library (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

"We're seeing so many people of all ages coming in, including a lot of families with young children.

"But initiatives like this are so important, particularly in the current climate."

The campaign is being supported by a number of businesses, including Suffolk-based coffee company Paddy and Scott's - which will be donating free tea and coffee.

"This is an amazing incentive to be a part of and we're so proud to be here," said Paddy and Scott's social media guru, Rachel Hutchings.

Rachel Hutchings of Paddy and Scott's (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

"With everything that is happening at the moment, it's so important for people in the community to feel supported."

Birchall is also providing tea, while the East of England Co-op has also donated vouchers to enable libraries to buy milk and other supplies.

Be Kind in Kind is also encouraging people to be generous 'in kind', whether that's by donating money, their time or second-hand clothing to their communities.

A 'kindness rack' at Gainsborough Community Library (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

"The response from people so far has been really strong," said Melissa Matthews, head of audience engagement at Suffolk Libraries.

"The fact is that so many people are being severely impacted by the cost of living crisis.

Melissa Matthews, head of audience engagement at Suffolk Libraries (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

"Libraries are that last bastion of shared community space and that means everything they do is for the needs of the community."

You can donate by visiting suffolklibraries.co.uk/donate.