Cost of Living Update Response
North Lanarkshire Council · 16 March 2023
Back to Policy and Strategy Committee — 16 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Policy and Strategy Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref: AM Date 16/03/23 Cost Of Living Response From Chief Officer (Community Operations) E-mail mcphersona@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07939 280467 Executive Summary There is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK resulting in unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty, and thousands of people in North Lanarkshire will be forced into fuel poverty and have to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home. The purpose of this report is to provide Committee with an update on the measures that were agreed to be introduced by Council in November 2022 to assist residents with the current crisis. Recommendations It is recommended that Committee: 1. Endorses the continued actions being taken to provide assistance relevant to the current cost-of-living crisis. 2. That a review of the success of the ‘drop-in’ spaces initiative is undertaken by the Community Partnership team following cessation of the current funding on 31 March 2023. 3. Agrees that a report is presented to the Council’s Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee during Cycle 3 with a recommendation as to whether funding should be continued and if so at what level and to which organisations.” The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (11) Increase economic opportunities for adults by understanding, identifying, and addressing the causes of poverty and deprivation and barriers to financial inclusion
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1. Background 1.1 It is estimated that over one in three Scottish households (38.8%) will be hit with the highest rates of fuel poverty - where more than 20% of a household's net income is spent on energy costs. Out of 12 UK regions, only Northern Ireland (51.4%) is worse hit by extreme fuel poverty than Scotland. The study, published by the Child Poverty Action Group, also predicts nearly one in four (562,240) Scottish households will have to spend 30% or more of income on energy. 1.2 Coupled with the increasing energy prices, at the date of writing this report inflation is now at 11.1% and although it is expected that this rate will fall to around 6% during 2023, such a high interest rate raises the price of all commodities and services – everything from food to mortgage payments. 1.3 A combination of all the above has now led to the biggest cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Whilst it is recognised that the Council is not funded to provide mainstream welfare support, it was critical that the Council examined which measures it could introduce which would assist our most affected residents in the most effective way. 1.4 The result was the introduction of several supporting measures on 1 November 2022. These measures were based on several key principles and section 2 of this report provides details on the progress of the supports. 1.5 Although details of the report reflect assistance to both employees and residents, it should be noted that around 83% of all employees are residents of North Lanarkshire and accordingly those measures introduced to help residents will also assist employees and vice versa. 2. Report Work Local 2.1 In response to the impact of higher fuel bills, both in traveling and in homes, may be having on our staff and their overall health and wellbeing, it was proposed that a Work Local campaign be developed. The campaign enhances the options for staff to work from various council buildings across North Lanarkshire. For the hybrid workforce, this provides an opportunity to work in a space closer to their home to reduce their commute or avoid heating their home further, and for those staff on the frontline, the intention was to provide additional warm places for their break where they can access free tea or coffee. 2.2 Following a review of potential options, a total 58 council facilities have now been designated as spaces to support this initiative on the basis we can operationally resource this with safety and security in mind - and that visitors can access other activities and meet people. This includes 16 high schools that have been made accessible for staff in the evenings (during operational hours of community lets) for welfare purposes. The risk assessments for all facilities have been updated to accommodate the change in use/additional use of the spaces. 2.3 The campaign launched on the 1st November 2022 with a myNL page detailing the range of facilities available and a google interactive map was included to allow staff to find facilities closest to their home or workplace. Similar to this, further web based supports were also introduced to signpost employees to cost of living supports and
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information and hard copy leaflets and other documents are available across the locations. 2.4 Through these facilities, the Tackling Poverty team have been involved in supporting employees and assisting them access support, including relevant funds such as the fuel hardship fund. Linked to this, the team in partnership with Social Work Services have developed a ‘Cost of Living Workshop’ for staff to raise awareness of the Council’s Tackling Poverty agenda, the impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on residents, service users and staff, and what help and financial support is available to residents to mitigate the impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis. The workshop was piloted in Coatbridge Social Work Locality and has been rolled out to all other Social Work Localities and the workshop will also be available to other Council Services. The team have also conducted a briefing session with trade union colleagues to allow them to support and signpost members. 2.5 There is an ongoing review of the usage of the locations and the supports required, and although a full review will be undertaken in March, the following key points have been highlighted at the date of writing this report: • Existing Council community hubs for staff have seen a rise in use by 20% since the campaign launched, with tea and coffee being welcomed by staff and new users seen each week. • The 16 high schools and leisure centres are seeing very little uptake by front line staff when lets are in operation. • Tea and coffee are popular in our libraries with existing customers as opposed to new visitors coming for that purpose. The results from this initial findings will then feed into the ongoing communications programme around this initiative to ensure facilities are maximised by those staff who would most benefit. 2.6 This work local approach is another step towards our longer-term operating model through co-locating more staff across community locations and looking at early opportunities to deliver our services differently to those who need it most, particularly at identified ‘early adopter’ community hubs. It will also include further discussion with our Community Partners about how such facilities could be made available for their use and a reciprocal arrangement put in place to expand the overall offer available. 2.7 It should also be noted that the 58 Council facilities referred to above are not only available for council and partner employees, but they are also open to residents to further enhance the Drop-In Spaces offering which is detailed below. Drop-In Spaces 2.8 The purpose of this initiative was to provide accessible locations across the Council area which our residents could access to assist with the current crisis. The key aims were to provide drop-in spaces for people to attend so they did not have to heat their own homes at certain periods of the day, provide a space which allowed social interaction and hot food and drinks and a point which could be utilised to provide access to a variety of health and wellbeing supports. 2.9 One of the core principles of the council’s cost of living response was that we should maximise and build on existing provision as opposed to creating something new. The intention therefore was that the drop-in spaces initiative would be delivered through existing and local community organisations as opposed to the Council attempting to
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deliver the very same offering which already existed. The local knowledge of the groups would also assist in determining need and could minimise any perceptions of stigma as these groups already operate and are widely used within communities. 2.10 Following approval of the £450K grant funding for the initiative at the Council’s Policy and Strategy Committee on 29 September 2022, the council’s Community Partnership Team (CPT) identified and mapped the current relevant provisions of potential drop-in spaces across the nine Community Board areas to identify which community groups had the potential to provide such spaces along with hot food/ drinks. 2.11 All of these groups were contacted directly by the CPT to discuss the potential support and an application form was sent to the group for completion and support provided to those groups which required assistance do so. Following this exercise 70 groups were approved to receive funding. Full details of those groups are attached at Appendix 1 and similar to the ‘Work Local’ campaign an interactive map has also been posted on the council’s Cost of Living web page, which provides an easy to use guide showing which facilities are available within each geographical area and details of opening times and the facilities on offer – hot food, free Wi-Fi etc. This list is being continually revised and updated to accurately reflect availability and take account of any time or venue changes. 2.12 The total funding allocated to the initial project proposals is £364,219.43. The intention is to pay this funding in two lots with 60% of the payment issued on 7 November and the remaining 40% paid in February following an assessment on the use and effectiveness of the service by the CPT. The balance of the original £450K is currently being held by the CPT to allow flexibility in payment to accommodate other groups that may come forward at a later date or indeed to fund specific one-off events to support the initiative. 2.13 To ensure the community offer is both relevant, sustainable and of value, an online monitoring process has been established that funding recipients must follow, and a hard copy is attached at Appendix 2. Initially we requested returns on a fortnightly basis with the first two returns received on 2nd and 16th December. This will allow us to accurately assess the impact of the programme and modify the offer as required to ensure it remains fit for purpose and whether the remaining 40% of funding is provided. As of 20th January 2023, the following summary response has been received from 53 respondents: • 32% of respondents said up to 20 people had visited premises • 34% said between 20 and 50 people had attended • 19% said between 51 and 100 people had visited • 15% said over 100 people had attended.
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The table below outlines what people were using the facilities for: • A range of age groups were using the spaces although senior citizens continue to be the highest demographic, followed by people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, families and children and young people. Twice as many venues during this period reported homeless people accessing their services. • People are using the venues for a range of purposes, mainly being for hot drinks and food, for warmth and to meet and talk to other people. • In comparison to the first two monitoring returns, this period has seen a notable uptake of people using the venues for other purposes including accessing free period products, free WiFi and seeking IAG (Information, Advice & Guidance). 2.14 Similar to the paragraphs above, a user survey has been created (Appendix 3) which is accessible both online and via hard copy at all venues. This will allow assessment of the impact from a community perspective and identify, if required, additional interventions which may be required. The user survey has no specific return date, and we will monitor and manage on an ongoing basis. Cost of Living Helpline 2.15 In view of the likelihood that the current cost of living crisis will exacerbate existing health inequalities through its wider impacts on physical and mental health and well- being, the Health and Social Care Partnership for North Lanarkshire have been keen to explore options to enhance the early help and advice available to individuals and families impacted by the current crisis. In particular the partnership has considered the potential to fund and promote a ‘helpline’ resource. This would strengthen access to early support and uphold the principle of the approach to the cost-of-living crisis to avoid stigma and empower those requiring support through a ‘cash first’ approach wherever possible. 2.16 The Council’s Tackling Poverty Team, currently have a First Point of Contact Team with a single and simple access point for residents, Council Services, NHS Lanarkshire and other Community Planning Partners. (Telephone number – 01698 332551 and email contact TPTeam@northlan.gov.uk. This is complimented by the self- help/management tools via the Cost of Living website page and by using already existing resources further enhances the principle of not creating anything new but building on what already exists. 2.17 The Tackling Poverty team also commission External Advice Services on behalf of the Council and have strong links with these services, as well as having long established
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referral routes with Health and Social Care Services, NHSL Community Link Workers Programme, GP Practices and other Health Services. 2.18 Following a range of discussions between lead officers from the Health Social Care Partnership, the Tackling Poverty Team and the wider Tackling Poverty and Resilience structures, it was agreed that additional support could most effectively be offered through extending the capacity of the Tackling Poverty Team. This would also allow the team to support the wider capacity issues for the Third Sector, Health and Social Care Services, Education and Families Services, Housing Solutions, and other Community Planning Partners, by providing advice, support and referral pathways for these services, and the community drop-in centres, North Lanarkshire Council’s -Work Local Hubs (available to all Council, IJB and NHS Lanarkshire staff). 2.19 As recognised above, it is inevitable that the pressures and reality of the cost-of-living crisis means many people will also experience negative impacts on their health and wellbeing, therefore the team will undergo additional training in key areas, e.g. mental health and wellbeing to support capacity to recognise and respond to wider needs through the appropriate signposting and referrals. 2.20 The funding required to deliver this temporary increased staffing capacity will be £300K each year over two years (2023/25) will deliver up to an additional 9FTE and will be provided in full from the Health and Social Care Partnership. Over this period, the Tackling Poverty Team will monitor and record activity of the helpline to provide details on the number of people assisted, reason for referral, income generated etc. The Tackling Poverty Team will also report on the wider use of the referral pathways with the Third Sector, Council Services, IJB Services and NHS Lanarkshire. Communication Strategy 2.21 The strategy was launched in October and the supporting materials which have been designed with a consistent and recognisable style went live in early November. Crucially the main aim is to drive people to the cost-of-living pages on the council’s website where a range of information set out by theme provides advice, guidance and signposts people to the expert organisation for the most relevant support. 2.22 The web page aims to guide people through the myriad of ways that small savings, household changes and concessions can combine to help households maintain a reasonable quality of life, despite the challenges posed by the current cost of living crisis. The themed areas are: crisis support, practical help to live with less money, energy advice, health and wellbeing, safety, budget and benefit tools, cooking on a budget and drop-in spaces. 2.23 A digital campaign which aims to raise awareness of the range of crisis support available to residents who have reached a point of being unable to cope with rising costs has been developed. This provides short messages designed to encourage small changes in behaviour and to highlight the range of support available around the key themes. This is running on social media channels, google ads and targeted advertising on Facebook. A core focus has been to promote the fuel hardship fund to a targeted audience to generate applications. To complement the digital campaign, advertising has been placed in bus interiors with a QR code taking people to the webpage. The campaign information has also been shared with partners and local and national media have covered the subject.
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2.24 There has been a significant level of interest in the online assistance and a full breakdown since its launch in November is available in Appendix 4. As at 31 January 2023, since its launch in October the following key statistics show: • The Cost-of-Living pages (including the Cost-of-Living main page, and the pages linked to it) have been visited by people 855,419 times and of this number, there were 169,772 unique page views, which means the individual number of sessions (visits to the page either by different people, from different devices or on different dates) during this period. Visits to the Cost-of-Living pages amount to 14% of all pages being viewed on the council website. The most visited pages are the Fuel Hardship Payment pages (both the application form and the information page), Scottish Welfare Fund, crisis support, drop-in spaces and living with higher energy costs. • Driving people to the Scottish Welfare Fund page was a key objective and this page has had 42,315 visitors during this period of which 20,706 are unique page views. As of 18th January there have been 4,768 applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund through the online application form on the council website (tracking the number of people who have submitted the application form). • The community drop-in points page has had over 16,500 visits by viewers (most of these views have taken place after being promoted on digital channels). • A map of all council and community drop-in spaces which was created on this page has had more than 35,600 views. • Since the start of the campaign there have been over 4,800 link clicks (a measurement of the click-through rate to a specific page) to the budgeting tool/calculator. It has been specifically promoted on social media to encourage more people to use the tools. • On social media, there have been 82 posts on Facebook and 70 on Twitter from the beginning of the campaign. Most of the posts related to topics around crisis support, followed by those on energy costs. o Facebook: From all the 82 posts, there have been 945,000 impressions (which means the number of times a person sees digital content) and posts were shared 2,253 times (to other platforms or viewer’s own pages). People clicked-through approximately 19,300 times on links to get more information from the council website. The most popular post (the post with the highest number of impressions) was one on the subject of the Fuel Hardship Payment published on the 25 January. It features a graphic with a written testimonial from a previous applicant highlighting the benefits of the scheme, and it was viewed more than 65,000 times by users. o Twitter: From all 70 posts together, there were 313,100 impressions. Posts were retweeted 611 times and received approximately 5,640 link clicks. A tweet encouraging residents to apply for the Fuel Hardship Payment on 24 November was the most viewed of the campaign, with more than 13,400 impressions. 2.25 To provide non-digital assistance, a suite of materials has been developed to support the web page including a cost-of-living leaflet, posters, drop-in space location leaflet and a money advice leaflet with the Tackling Poverty Team. These materials have been distributed to all 122 drop-in spaces and included a letter asking them to display the materials on-site. In addition, packs were issued to all 77 elected members asking them to display materials at surgeries or community meetings.
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Next Steps 2.26 As the initiatives referenced within this report were only introduced in November, it is accepted that the outcomes provided above are based on limited data over a relatively short time period. It is the intention therefore to continually collect this data over the coming months and then incorporate the findings into the overall tackling poverty strategy for the Council to determine whether there is merit in continuing all, some or none of the initiatives going forward. Specifically, it is not proposed to extend the funding for the Drop-In Spaces initiative past the 31st March 2023 and we will stop the free tea and coffee provision at the 58 ‘work local’ premises. Rather, a full review of the initiatives will be undertaken by the Community Partnership team on the levels of uptake and success across all participating organisations. Thereafter, a report will then be presented to the Council’s Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee during Cycle 3 with a recommendation as to whether funding should be continued and if so at what level and to which organisations. Any decision to continue funding will be aligned to the ongoing budget considerations for the Council. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Deployment of resources and initiatives in partnership with other organisations which will mitigate the impacts of the current financial pressures on our residents. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 – List of Community Groups Providing Drop-In Spaces 4.2 Appendix 2 – Online Monitoring Form for Community Groups 4.2 Appendix 3 – User Survey for Drop-In Spaces 4.3 Appendix 4 - Digital Analysis of Cost-of-Living Campaign Andrew McPherson Chief Officer (Community Operations)
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5. Impacts ( http://connect/report-template-guidance ) 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The implementation of the Cost of Living response is fully aligned with the requirements of the Fairer Scotland Duty, its purpose being to reduce the inequalities caused by socio economic disadvantage. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality-and-fairer- scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Financial Solutions? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The additional grant support of £0.450m is being supported through existing resources and the £600K funding for the Cost of Living helpline is being funded by the Health and Social Care Partnership. So far neither the UK nor Scottish Government have indicated the availability of additional direct funding to local government to support the cost-of-living crisis. In the event that additional funding does become available, the Council has well established processed for administering additional grants. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People and Organisational Development? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Safety and wellbeing implications around access, safety and security and also safeguarding. Safety and security guidance has been updated and made available on the relevant workplace section of myNL. The safety and wellbeing team will continue to work with local teams to advise appropriate measures are in place at a local level around safety, security, fire safety and first aid. Communications and engagement with management teams of key workforce groups will also take place as appropriate, and toolbox talks encouraged with staff as necessary. Furthermore, the approach taken is intended to have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing and TU’s will be engaged as appropriate through existing channels. 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒
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If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? There are possible impacts in terms of: Wi-Fi access at agreed spaces and prioritising key sites within the connectivity project, shifting use of digital channels creating strain on bandwidth provision at key sites that may need to be increased, ability to provide digitally equipped spaces for use, including collaborative meeting spaces. Demand on GIS resources has been mitigated short term through the production of a google map supported by Comms and the Op Model team. A work local approach if agreed will also require consideration around acceleration of digital access/security and booking systems (front and back office). Where the impact identifies a requirement for technology, has an assessment been carried out (or scheduled) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Enabling staff to ‘work local’ has a positive impact on the environment and an individual’s carbon footprint around commuting, as well as potential positive health impacts by enabling greater choice and flexibility to how people work. The shift side to that is the utility use/office energy consumption through a work local approach (although within the wider context of asset rationalisation and investment in more energy efficient buildings and hubs positive benefits should be realised over time). 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact?
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The Communications team have been involved in al discussions and have provided the communications strategy to compliment the initiatives agreed in the report along with a wider cost-of-living programme. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? The risks associated with the Council potentially failing to adequately respond to the cost-of-living crisis include the Council failing to address our corporate ambitions in relation to reducing poverty and improving residents economic well-being and are similar to, and reflected in, the Tackling Poverty risk included in the Corporate Risk register. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex-Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services.
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Appendix 1 – List of Community Groups Providing Drop-In Spaces Town Community Board FACILITY Address Post Code Time More information Airdrie Airdrie - Jackson Church of Scotland Glen Road, Petersburn, Airdrie ML6 8BW Monday 10am - 2pm warm place, soup, tea bisuits Airdrie Airdrie Clarkston Parish Church Clarkston Parish Church Hall, Forrest Street, Airdrie ML6 0PU Thursday 12-4pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie Cairnlea Parish Church 127-129 Graham Street, Airdrie ML6 6DE Monday 11.30am - 3.30pm Wednesday 11.30am - 3.30pm place of warmth, hot drinks and bisuits Airdrie Calderbank Parish Church Calderbank Parish Church, Main Street, Calderbank ML6 9SG Tuesday 2- 4.30pm warm space, hot drinks and bisuits Airdrie Caldercruix & Longriggend Parish Church Main Street, Caldercruix Airdrie ML6 7RF Commencing January 2023 weekly drop-in providing soup and sandwiches Airdrie Corpus Christi Parish Corpus Christi Hall, Crowwood Crescent Calderbank, Airdrie ML6 9TA Thursday 12-4pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie Parkinsons Self Help Group Weaver's Cottages, 23-25 Wellwynd, Airdrie ML6 0BN Monday (alternate) 9am- 3pm Tuesday 10am- 2pm Wednesday 9am- 3pm warm place, food and drinks
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Thursday 10am- 2pm Airdrie St Edwards RC Church Lady Ann Crescent, Airdrie ML6 9PZ Tuesday 11.30am-2.30pm Thursday 10am - 3pm community activity inc snacks/tea & coffee hot & cold food Bellshill Bellshill: St Andrew's United Free Church of Scotland Bellshill: St Andrew's United Free Church of Scotland The Cross, Main Street, Bellshill. ML4 1AH Tuesday 11am - 1pm Friday 11am - 1pm Warm space, tea, coffee, biscuits and free wifi Bellshill Burnhead Bowling Club 2 Sycamore Avenue, Viewpark G71 5EX Monday: 12noon – 4pm (free hot drinks and food) Tuesday: 12pm – 4pm (free hot drinks and food), 4pm – 8pm (heat and chat). 8pm – 10pm (bingo games) Wednesday: 12noon – 4pm (free hot drinks and food), 4pm – 7pm (heat and chat), 7pm – 9pm (free live indoor bowling competitions) Thursday: 12pm – Warm space, soup, tea and coffee
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4pm (free hot drinks and food), 4pm – 8pm (heat and chat). 8pm – 10pm (bingo games) Friday: 12noon – 4pm (free hot drinks and food), 4pm – 7pm (heat and chat), 7pm – 9pm (free dart games), 9pm – 12 midnight (heat and chat). (Please note daily last order for free hot drinks and food is 3:30pm) Bellshill Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society 3 Clydesdale Street, Mossend, Bellshill ML4 2RS 7 days a week 11am to 5pm Warm space, hot meals and soft drinks Bellshill The Salvation Army, Bellshill The Salvation Army, Gladstone Street, Bellshill ML4 1AT Monday to Friday 9.00am - 1pm Tea, coffee and biscuits in morning. Hot soup, roll and desert 12 to 1pm Bellshill Thorniewood Community Council Tannochside Miners Welfare building, 438 Old Edinburgh Rd, Viewpark G71 6PJ Monday 6.30pm - 9pm Wednesday 12pm – 3pm, and 6.30pm – 9pm Friday 12pm – 3pm Hot food and drinks during cooking on a budget class. Chats and Cuppa Café, hot drinks, sandwiches, bakery and activities/games
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Saturday 1pm – 4pm Bellshill Uddingston Burnhead Parish Church Burnhead Parish Church, 92-94 Laburnum Road Viewpark G71 5DB First Tuesday of each month 1.30pm – 3pm Wednesday 10am - 12pm Thursday 12pm - 2pm Hot lunch, tea, coffee, biscuits Bellshill Utheo Ltd Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre, Busby Road, Bellshill ML4 2BW Monday to Friday 9am - 2.30pm Tea, coffee refreshments, biscuits and cakes, activities in warm environment Friday - soup and hot meal Bellshill Viewcare Project Viewpark Parish Church, 400 Old Edinburgh Road Uddingston G71 6BD Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm Monday 9.30am - 2.30pm for hot food, drinks Friday 7pm - 9.30pm for P7+ kids food and drinks Bellshill VIP Arts and Sports Academy VIP Arts and Sports Academy, McCulloch Avenue Fallside G71 6JW Wednesday 12.30pm – 2pm Thursday 12.30pm – 2pm Warm place, food, drink and activities Bellshill YMCA Bellshill & Mossend 294 Main St, Bellshill ML4 1AB Tuesday 10am – 3pm Wednesday 1pm – 5pm Thursday 10am – 3pm Warm space, cup of coup, tea, coffee, snack. Signposting and advice.
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Coatbridge Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group 12 Quarry Street, Coatbridge ML5 3PU Thursday 12- 2.30pm Friday 12-2.30pm Saturday 10.30am-2pm soup, sandwiches, tea & coffee Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre 25 Haddington Way, Kirkshaws ML5 5BF Mon, Wed, Fri 5- 9pm warm place, hot food & drinks Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with The Safety Zone 61 Garbraid Terrace, Bargeddie G69 7SN Monday 6-8pm Tuesday 11.30am-3pm Thursday 11am- 3pm Friday 11am-3pm warm place, hot drinks & snacks Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with Parents Action for Safe Play 2a Scarhill Street, Coatbridge ML5 5BB Monday 9am- 3pm Tuesday 5-9pm Thursday 9am- 3pm warm place, hot drinks & snacks Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with St Bernards Church group 51 Hermitage Crescent, Coatbridge ML5 4NB Tuesday 6-9pm Thursday 6-9pm warm place, soup & sandwiches Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with St Stephens Church Paddock Street, Coatbridge ML5 4PG Thursday 6-9pm warm place, soup & sandwiches Coatbridge St Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church St Augustine’s RC Church, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge ML5 1DQ Monday 2-5pm Tuesday 2-5pm Thursday 2-5pm warm place, hot food & drinks Coatbridge The Most Blessed Trinity and All Saints 293 Muiryhall Street East, Coatbridge ML5 3RZ Tuesdays 12-3pm soup, sandwiches, hot drinks
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Parish Church - Tuesday Club Coatbridge Xaverian Centre Conforti Conforti, Calder Avenue Coatbridge ML5 4JS Tuesday 10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 4pm soup, sandwiches, tea & coffee Cumbernauld Abronhill Parish Church Larch Road, Abronhill, Cumbernauld G67 3AZ Tuesday 11am- 7pm Thursday 11am- 7pm Warm space, hot meals and drinks Cumbernauld Cornerstone House Cornerstone House Centre, 1 Esk Walk, Town Centre, Cumbernauld G67 1BZ Monday 9am- 11am Wed 12.30- 2.30pm & 4.30- 7.30pm hot & cold food, hot drinks. Cumbernauld Cornerstone House Wesfield Community Centre, Westfield Drive, Westfield G68 9HJ Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm hot & cold food, hot drinks. Cumbernauld Cornerstone House The Wynd Hall, Cumbernauld Village G67 2SU Thursday 12- 2.30pm hot & cold food, hot drinks. Cumbernauld Cumbernauld & Carbrain Community Hub 5 Tay Walk, Cumbernauld Town Centre G67 1BU Thursday 10am- 3pm Saturday 10am- 2pm Saturday 2-4pm (once per month) Hub open Mon-Fri (3hrs), additional hours on Thurs and Saturday opening for community pantry (10am-12pm) and food/drink. Saturday 2-4pm will host a community lunch/dinner. Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Foodbank Freedom City Church Centre, 6 St Mungo's Road, Cumbernauld, G67 1QR Tuesday 12-2pm Wednesday 10.30am- 12.30pm warm space, hot & cold food, drinks. Will open during festive period.
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Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Poverty Action Muirfield Centre, 1a South Muirhead Road, Cumbernauld, G67 1AX Saturday 10.30am- 12.30pm breakfast club inc hot drinks Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Resilience Sacred Heart Church Hall, 25C Kyle Road, Kildrum, Cumbernauld G67 2DY Monday 5-7pm warm place, food Cumbernauld St Helen's Saint Vincent de Paul Our Lady & St Helen's Church Hall, 117 Achray Road CONDORRAT G67 4JG Monday 10am- 12pm Tuesday 10am- 12pm Friday 10am- 12pm tea & toast, soup & sandwich Kilsyth & Villages Friends of Kilsyth 5 Garrell Rd, Kilsyth G65 9JX Monday 11am- 9pm Tuesday 11am- 9pm Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 11am- 9pm warm place, hot & cold food, hot drinks. Mobile food service proposed for those in need e.g. homeless/on street Kilsyth & Villages Croy Community Hub 4 McSparran Road, Croy G65 9HN Wednesday 10am-2pm Tuesday 11am- 1pm Thursday 3-5pm Friday 1-3pm warm place, soup, sandwich, hot drinks. Drop-in opportunities, free wifi Kilsyth & Villages Kilsyth Church of God - Golden Days Parkburn Road, Kilsyth G65 9DG Thursday 1- 3.30pm warm place, hot food & drinks Kilsyth & Villages Kilsyth Church of God - ROKK Club Parkburn Road, Kilsyth G65 9DG Tuesday 6- 7.45pm warm place, hot food & drinks Kilsyth & Villages Kilsyth Community Church Café Refresh, 84 Main Street Kilsyth G65 0AL Wednesday 5.30- 8.30pm warm place, hot food & drinks
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Kilsyth & Villages St. Patrick's Church St. Patrick's Church Hall, U.P. Lane, Kilsyth G65 0BQ Tuesday 3-5pm Wednesday 12- 2pm Friday 3-5pm warm place, soup & sandwiches Motherwell Befriend Motherwell/Dalziel St. Andrew's Church Dalziel St. Andrew's Church, 43-47 Merry Street Motherwell ML1 1JJ Monday to Friday 11am to 2pm Warm space, tea, coffee, snacks, lunches and activities Motherwell Community Action Newarthill Newarthill Community Centre, High Street Newarthill ML1 5JU Monday & Tuesday 10am - 1pm (Drop In) Monday 7pm - 9pm Wednesday 10.30am - 1.30pm (Winter Warmer) Thursday 10am - 12pm (Craft and Chat) Thursday 12.30pm - 3pm (Mens Lunch and Activity) Warm space, hot soup and sandwiches, food nutrition classes, hot lunch. Motherwell Forgewood Housing Cooperative Forgewood Community Centre, 49 Dinmont Crescent, Forgewood ML1 3TT Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm Warm space, seating, hot drink/cup a soup, free wifi. Colouring sheets for children Motherwell Glencassels Community Development Project 121 Glencairn Avenue, Craigneuk, Wishaw ML2 7RJ Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11am - 2pm Soup, tea, coffee, soft drink. Signposting services and activities.
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Motherwell Motherwell Baptist Church Motherwell Baptist Church, 43-47 Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1RT Wednesday 11am - 3pm Meal 11am - 1pm Tea, coffee, snacks 1pm - 3pm Motherwell Motherwell Football Club Community Trust Fir Park Stadium Motherwell ML1 2QN Tuesday and Thursday 6pm - 7pm Warm space, soup, tea, coffee. Cost of living guidance and SAMH programme Motherwell St Patrick's RC Church St Patrick's Church Hall, 71 Shieldmuir Street Wishaw ML2 7TH Wednesday (Drop in/Bingo) 7pm - 9pm Thursday (Pensioners Club - Bingo) 12.30pm - 2.30pm Thursday (Bowling Club) 7pm - 10pm Tea, Coffee, refreshment and activities Northern Corridor Auchinloch Community Council Auchinloch Community Centre, Langmuirhead Road G66 5DL Wednesday 6.30- 8.30pm warm place, hot food & drinks Northern Corridor Chryston Parish Church Chryston Parish Church, 105 Main Street, Chryston G69 9LA Monday - Saturday 10am- 10pm warm space, food & drink Northern Corridor Glenboig Development Trust Glenboig Life centre, Main St, Glenboig ML5 2RD Monday - Friday 9am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 1-5pm daily café facilities, dinner delivery service (vulnerable persons) Northern Corridor Nothing is Impossible Ministries T/A The Coffee House The Coffee House, 77-81 Glenmanor Avenue, Moodiesburn G69 0LB Monday 10am- 2pm Tuesday 3-7pm Wednesday 10am-2pm community café facilities
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Thursday 3-7pm Friday 10am-2pm Northern Corridor St. Barbara's Church Hall St. Barbara's Hall, c/o The Presbytery, Elmira Rd. Muirhead G69 9EJ Tuesday 10am- 12pm Thursday 11am- 3pm warm place, coffee & cake warm place, hot food Northern Corridor Stepps Parish Church 17, Whitehill Avenue, Stepps G33 GBL Monday 1.30- 3.30pm Thursday 10am- 3pm warm place, food & drink Northern Corridor Stepps Parish Church with Millerston UF Church 1545 Cumbernauld Road G33 1AB Tuesday 10.30am-1.30pm Friday 9am-12pm daily café facilities, dinner delivery service (vulnerable persons) Northern Corridor Stepps Parish Church with St Joseph's RC Church Cardowan Road, Stepps G33 6AA Monday 9-11am & 12-3pm warm place, food & drinks, activity clubs Shotts Crochet & Chatter Salsburgh Community Centre, Main Street Salsburgh, Shotts ML7 4LH Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm Warm space, hot drink, cakes and biscuit. Crafts, games and activities Shotts Getting Better Together Ltd Getting Better Together, Shotts Healthy Living Centre, Kirk Road, Shotts ML7 5ET Monday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Tuesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Wednesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Thursday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Warm space, tea, coffee, biscuits and activities
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Shotts Paul's Parcels Calderhead Erskine Church Hall, 9 Kirk Road, Shotts ML7 5ET Monday & Thursday 4.30pm - 7.30pm (Shotts) Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Shotts Paul's Parcels Salsburgh Community Centre, Main Street, Salsburgh ML7 4LH Monday 11.30am - 2.30pm (Salsburgh) Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Shotts Paul's Parcels Harthill Community Education Centre, Main Street, Harthill ML7 5QE Wednesday 11.30am - 2.30pm (Harthill) Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Shotts Shotts Calderhead Erskine Parish Church Shotts Calderhead Erskine Parish Church, Allanton Road, Allanton ML7 5AL Friday (fortnightly) 9am - 3pm Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Wishaw Cambusnethan North Parish Church (Church of Scotland) Cambusnethan Street, Wishaw. ML2 8NN Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10.30am to 3pm Warm space, food and hot drinks, games and activities Wishaw Garrion People Housing Cooperative CentrePoint Community Hub, 70 Smith Ave, Wishaw, ML2 0LD Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm Warm space, seating, hot drink/cup a soup, free wifi. Colouring sheets for children Wishaw MADE4UINML2 MADE4UINML2, Greenfield Drive, Wishaw ML2 8NT Monday 10.30am - 12.30pm (Alternative Dance) Tuesday 9.30am - 11.30am (Parent & Toddler Group) Tuesday 6pm - 8pm (Big Cook Little Cook) Friday 10.30am - 12pm (Men's Walking Group) Warm place, hot food, hot drink and activities
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Wishaw Newmains Community Trust Centre NCT Centre, 15 Manse Road, Newmains, Wishaw ML2 9AX Monday to Thursday 5pm - 9pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Warm place, hot drinks, hot soup and biscuits and activities Wishaw Overtown Parish Church 146 Main Street, Overtown, Wishaw ML2 0QP Monday 12pm - 4pm (Community Lunch served 12pm - 1.30pm) Thursday 1pm - 4.30pm Tea, coffee, biscuits, cake, games, activities and quiet space Wishaw St Marys Parish Centre St Marys Parish Centre, 78 Main Street, Cleland ML1 5QX Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 5pm - 8pm Tea, coffee, biscuits, cake, games, activities and quiet space Wishaw St Thomas RC Church St Thomas Church Hall, 12 Tarbert Avenue, Wishaw ML2 0JH Wednesday 7pm - 9pm (Bingo) Friday 7.30pm - 10.30pm (Men's Group - open to all) Tea, Coffee, refreshments and activities
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Appendix 2 Cost of Living: Monitoring Form for Groups & Organisations (Week Ending 20th Jan, 2023) The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Section 1 Introduction As part of North Lanarkshire Council Cost of Living Campaign, your organisation has successfully received one-off grant funding for the period 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023 to deliver an enhanced cost of living support to help tackle the immediate crisis facing many individuals and families in your community. To help NLC and community groups monitor the impact of this campaign over the winter period on both your organisation and beneficiaries please could you complete this short monitoring form every two weeks. This will enable us to identify early trends, gaps in provision, and additional support where required, and will assist with the review on the effectiveness of the initiative by the Community Partnership Team in January to ensure we are delivering the anticipated outcomes. 1 Organisation NameRequired to answer. Single line text. Enter your answer 2 Which Community Board area(s) do you operate in?Required to answer. Multiple choice. Airdrie Bellshill Coatbridge Cumbernauld Kilsyth Motherwell Northern Corridor Shotts Wishaw 3
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Appendix 2 Over the past month, approximately how many people have visited your venue as part of the Cost-of-Living campaign?Required to answer. Single choice. <20 20-50 51-100 >100 4 What did they use your venue for?Required to answer. Multiple choice. For warmth For hot drinks and/or food Meet and talk to other people Access WiFi and/or charge electronic device Free period products Information, advice or guidance 5 Who has been using your venue?Required to answer. Multiple choice. Senior citizens (60+) Families Children & Young People People with disabilities / long term health conditions Homeless People 6 Have you worked with any unexpected groups / organisations to deliver your enhanced provision as part of the Cost-of-Living campaign during this period? If yes, please indicate belowMulti Line Text. Enter your answer 7 Is there any additional support you feel is required to maintain your extended provision? If so, please indicate belowMulti Line Text. Enter your answer 8 Do you feel your extended service through the Cost-of-Living campaign is making a difference in your community? Required to answer. Rating.
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Appendix 3 Cost of Living: User Experience Survey The survey will take approximately 4 minutes to complete. Section 1 Introduction Our Cost of Living campaign has been set up to provide North Lanarkshire residents with local information and support to help cope with rising costs. Community groups and organisations are working with the council to provide a network of drop in points where residents can grab a cuppa and a chat with fellow residents or just enjoy a change of scene. Completing this survey will help us to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our residents as best we can. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback. 1 Today's dateRequired to answer. Date. Please input date (M/d/yyyy) 2 Your postcodeRequired to answer. Multi Line Text. Enter your answer 3 What age group do you belong to?Required to answer. Single choice. 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
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Appendix 3 4 Gender identityRequired to answer. Single choice. Female Male Non-binary Prefer not to disclose 5 Please specify your ethnicityRequired to answer. Single choice. White Scottish, English, Welsh, NI or British Asian or Asian British Black, Black British, Caribbean or African Mixed or multiple ethnic groups Other ethnic group Prefer not to disclose 6 Do you consider yourself to have a disability?Required to answer. Single choice. Yes No Prefer not to disclose 7 Which Community Drop-in point have you accessed? E.g. Newarthill Community CentreRequired to answer. Single line text. Enter your answer 8 What did you use the centre for?Required to answer. Multiple choice. For warmth For hot drinks and/or food Meet and talk to other people Access WiFi / charge electronic device (phone, laptop etc) Free period products Information, advice or guidance 9 Do you feel that the extended service on offer is making a difference in your community? Required to answer. Single choice. Yes Somewhat No 10 Do you feel that the extended services on offer meet your specific needs?Required to answer. Single choice. Yes Somewhat
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Appendix 3 No 11 Do you have any suggestions for improvement you feel should be offered through the Cost of Living campaign?Required to answer. Multi Line Text. Enter your answer
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Cost of Living Campaign Website and social media insights 10 October 2022 – 29 January 2023 Latest data available: w/c 23 January 2023
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Page views and unique page views per week (aggregated for all Cost of Living pages) Page views Unique page views Page views from start 794,801 Unique page views from start 149,524 62,493 88,145 43,488 163,532 52,234 36,701 98,610 87,216 44,730 32,410 12,741 10,878 49,451 22,621 19,309 30,860 0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000 160000 180000
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21431 8% 9808 3% 242548 89% FHP Application form Other Cost of Living pages All other web pages 570512 9% 285542 5% 5447445 86% FHP application form Other Cost of Living pages All other web pages w/c 23 January 2023 Page views (Cost of Living pages as a % of all web pages) From start of campaign
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Page views by page title (w/c 23 January 2023) 570,512 1,213 16,564 36,986 22,069 154,654 706 384 3,719 5,377 42,315 920 0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000
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Page views by page title (From start of campaign) 570,512 1,213 16,564 36,986 22,069 154,654 706 384 3,719 5,377 42,315 920 0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000
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Scottish Welfare Fund page views by week (From start of campaign) Page viewsUnique page views 2487 3071 2580 2951 2010 2147 2785 2743 3630 4287 2683 1966 3460 2074 1841 1600 1108 1332 1146 1301 869 929 1217 1210 1600 1823 1126 814 1501 1770 1593 1367 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
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Estimated number of Fuel Hardship Payment applications weekly (Based on unique page views of the FHP confirmation page) 229 313 203 973 420 223 701 719 209 140 69 56 363 261 239 368 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Oct Nov Dec Jan 2022 2023
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Fuel Hardship Payment form page (Traffic sources from start of campaign)
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Number of posts Total impressions Number of posts Total impressions 82 945,817 70 313,100 Facebook Twitter 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 Crisis support Energy costs Living healthily Living safely Living with a smaller income Ave. post impressions by topic 0 20 40 60 80 Crisis support Energy costs Living healthily Living safely Living with a smaller income Number of posts by topic 52% 15% 5% 14% 14% Impressions by topic Crisis support Energy costs Living healthily Living safely Living with a smaller income
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0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 Ave. post impressions by category 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 Crisis support Living with a smaller income Living safely Energy costs Living healthily Total engagements by topic Sum of Link clicks Sum of Shares Sum of Comments 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Active NL offer Benefits and money Community drop-in points Credit and loans Credit Union Debt advice Disability payment Easy Peasy Cook Event Fire safety Fuel Hardship Payment Healthy start vouchers Low Income CoL… Mental health Parks Pensioner Winter Fuel… Saving tips Scam Scottish Welfare Fund SG Childcare support Talk Money Week Transport Winter Heating Payment Job Number of posts by category 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 80000 90000 100000 14-Oct 20-Oct 06-Nov 09-Nov 12-Nov 16-Nov 21-Nov 24-Nov 27-Nov 30-Nov 05-Dec 08-Dec 11-Dec 14-Dec 17-Dec 20-Dec 23-Dec 27-Dec 30-Dec 07-Jan 10-Jan 19-Jan 25-Jan Oct Nov Dec Jan 2022 2023 Impressions by date