Residents are being urged to donate warm clothing to a winter coat exchange launched to help families facing a perfect storm of rising energy bills and extreme weather.
The initiative, run by local community interest company The Leith Collective, aims to distribute essential winter wear to those struggling to afford basic heating and clothing.
Launching on Thursday, 1 October, the scheme builds upon the organisation’s previous efforts, which saw more than 10,000 coats rehomed across the city last year. For the current winter season, the collection has been expanded to include jumpers, blankets, scarfs, hats, and gloves, in an effort to provide comprehensive protection against the cold.
The expansion of the service comes in direct response to the energy regulator Ofgem announcing a rise in the price cap from October. This increase is expected to add an additional £60 to the typical annual household energy bill, pushing costs to a three-year high.
The financial strain on households is predicted to worsen in the new year. Current forecasts suggest that energy prices could rise again in January 2027, with the price cap potentially increasing by a further 25%.
Adding to the anticipated difficulties, United Nations officials have issued warnings that a significant El Niño weather event is likely to occur towards the end of 2026. Some forecasts predict this could be the strongest event on record, potentially heightening instances of extreme weather globally and adversely affecting international food supply chains and energy prices.
Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, urged locals to act now to support their community. She said: “Families here in Edinburgh are facing real hardship, and the prospects for this winter are bleak if we don’t step in and help.
“We’ve spoken to countless people who can’t afford to heat their homes, cook a decent meal or buy coats and jumpers to stay warm.
“That’s why we’re calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to donate and distribute good quality winter clothing to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need.”
To facilitate the exchange, organisations across the city are being encouraged to sign up as official collection points through the online marketplace, we-relove.com.
The platform also provides a postcode search tool for individuals in need, allowing them to locate their nearest collection point and access warm clothes free of charge and without judgement.
