Give a Coat a Home is back for a second year to help people stay warm as the cost of living crisis bites over the winter months.

Used coats are currently being collected across Middlesbrough, before being handed out to those in need at a special event next month.

The initiative is again being led by Linthorpe ward Councillor Philippa Storey and Newport ward Councillor Chris Cooke, with soaring bills leaving many struggling to be able to afford to heat their homes.

A one-off event on Saturday, October 8 will see the coats distributed to those calling in at the Pop-up Coat Shop at Newport Community Hub on St Paul’s Road. They’ll be available to anyone who needs one, with coats arranged in age groups. Benefit advice and free tea and coffee will be available at the event. MEC will be at the event providing soup tasters and information about slow cooker courses and eco-shops, including where to find your nearest eco-shop.

Members of the public are invited to donate unwanted coats in good condition ahead of the event to allow time for them to be sorted.

The donation points are:

• Dorman Museum
• Newport Community Hub
• Unite the Union offices, Fry Street (next to Jury’s Inn)
• Linthorpe (details on request)
• Easterside (details on request)

For more information, contact Cllr Storey at Philippa_Storey@middlesbrough.gov.uk