Metrocentre partners with Citizens Advice on Winter Warmer Campaign

We have joined forces with Citizens Advice Gateshead on its Winter Warmer campaign, helping those who need it stay warm through the winter.

Our donation box is situated in the Lower Green Mall near M&S, where customers are encouraged to donate items to help Citizens Advice create its crucial Winter Warmer packs for those in need.

Even the smallest of donations can make a big difference, from a jar of hot chocolate to a winter hat or scarf, Metrocentre and Citizens Advice are encouraging people give what they can afford this festive season.

Donations of the following items are welcomed:

  • Warm fleeces
  • Snoods
  • Blankets
  • Hand Warmers
  • Winter hats
  • Scarves
  • Jars of hot chocolate
  • Mugs
  • Blanket hoodies
  • Supermarket gift cards
  • Hot water bottles

To protect the safety of those receiving the Winter Warmer packs, customers are asked to only donate non-perishable goods and new, unused items.

Gavin Prior, Centre Director for Metrocentre Gateshead, said “We’re honoured to be supporting Citizens Advice with the Winter Warmer campaign this year, helping them to provide warm clothing and hot drinks to those in need.

We’re encouraging Metrocentre customers to come together and help make sure everyone in Gateshead is warm, safe, and comfortable this winter. Whether your donation is big or small, we promise it will make a big difference”.

Why are donations so important? Despite Government support with fuel costs, issues with energy debt, prepayment meters, and people needing food banks are the highest they have ever been and show no sign of decreasing.

By the end of April this year, Citizens Advice Gateshead dealt with more people with energy issues, food bank referrals and accessing charitable support than they did throughout the whole of 2021, seeing a year-on-year increase of 43%.

Last year, over 600 Winter Warmer packs were sent out to people around Gateshead, but this was just the tip of the iceberg. It is anticipated the problem will be worse this year and more families than ever will be forced to chose between heating and eating.

Citizen’s advice and Metrocentre are calling for people of the North East to come together and support those needing help this winter.