Asda is giving away free hot drinks to Britain’s emergency responders to help them get through their shifts this winter.
The UK supermarket chain’s new initiative will see that all paramedics, police officers and firefighters will be able to get their hands on a warming cup of tea or coffee multiple times during their long hours, with the service available all day, every day — including in Asda‘s 24-hour stores.
Opening the scheme up from over 330 Asda Stores, cafes and Express shops to help make their shifts that little bit easier during the colder weather in the lead-up to Christmas, it’s a great idea that surely everyone can get behind.
Active from 1 November right up until 31 December 2023 when emergency responders are waiting in the wings to help during the ever-unpredictable New Year’s Eve, so long as they come in-store wearing their uniform, they’ll be able to grab a quick brew or two at no charge. Lovely stuff.
Petition to make free hot drinks for emergency responders the standard at all supermarkets? (Credit: Asda)
Better still, with countless crucial key workers inside the supermarkets also busy with their shifts, members of the police, ambulance or fire service can help themselves to free tea or coffee not only from the Asda Cafe but the self-service Costa or Leon machines as well.
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Speaking on this kind and convenient scheme, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, Hayley Tatum, said:“This initiative is a token of our appreciation for the tireless work that our emergency responders are carrying out in the communities in which we operate.
“Whether on duty, enjoying a break or finishing a shift, we invite them to pop in, say hi and grab a cuppa.”
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Likewise, Asda and its customers are always spotlighting their own staff for a job well done as they know how needed their roles are and recognise their importance, especially during the holiday season.
Comments included: "Great job Ted. Inspiring initiative shown … keep up the great work!”, "What an amazing young man. You will go far” and “That's a man well raised. Your parents must be so proud.”
Off-duty responders with a Blue Light Card can also receive 10% back in their Cashpot account on all fresh purchases including fresh meat, fish and ready meals when they scan their Asda Rewards app at the checkout — a deal that is on all year-round, not just this winter).
It’s great to see the supermarket putting together schemes like this and free drinks for emergency responders is by no means the only one; in fact, Asda has launched four different helpful initiatives to help local communities this year.
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Another vital one that has just rolled out recently is their ‘winter warmer’ deal, where those over 60 can get similar access to hot drinks as the emergency services as well as a portion of soup for just a pound.
When does the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year hit Greater Manchester?
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves: ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK – the fourth in 2026 so far – and, understandably, Greater Manchester residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it gets here.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across Great Britain and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorological sources.
Fortunately for us here in the North West, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Temperatures are set to rise this week across some areas, bringing a return to hotter conditions 🥵
The heat looks to be fairly short-lived, however, with temperatures expected to fall again towards the end of the week 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/IKsunEdwhU
Estimates of 26°C have been predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
Following on from the hottest June on record, the Dovestone and Tinwhistle areas of Oldham and parts of Derbyshire saw hundreds of hectares turn into a deeply dangerous blaze for several days.
As per the latest statistics, it’s said that the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches were scorched following the alarming wildfire, which also raised concerns for wildlife and surrounding air quality.
Former US President Barack Obama is coming to Manchester for a special ‘Evening With’ event
Danny Jones
No, not a prank: the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, is coming to Manchester on his upcoming UK tour.
Confirming just three domestic dates across Great Britain and Ireland, the 44th President turned successful global speaker has delivered talks all over the world, and now he’ll be coming to the Co-op Live arena.
We always knew the industry-leading events space was going to lead to some big names, but no one was expecting this one.
Set to deliver his first-ever ‘An Evening With’ here in Greater Manchester, Barack Obama will be coming to the Co-op later this year.
Officially announcing the live show in line with a key American date, Obama will be making his first-ever visit to our city.
The Co-op Live post reads: “As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, President Barack Obama joins us in Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester to discuss what comes next – for America, and for all of us.”
More than two and a half centuries on from the start of the nation becoming the United States, the series of intimate interviews comes alongside a significant anniversary for both countries.
Always praised for being a talented orator, the 64-year-old ex-Commander in Chief has found a fruitful second career on the so-called ‘keynote circuit’ following his time as POTUS.
Having served two consecutive terms in the post, it feels undeniably surreal to hear that he will be coming to visit, especially amid the obvious recent development of our very own Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, having now become the 59th British PM.
As for Obama, it’s no surprise that he booked the biggest venue possible for his debut talk in 0161.
Presented by SeatUnique, who specialise in affordable but premium hospitality seats/tickets for live entertainment, it goes without saying that this is an unprecedented moment for the venue, specifically.
Set to arrive on 15 October, tickets go live from 10am at the end of this month, with official Co-op members pre-sale passes available from the same time on Wednesday, 29 July.
You can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester is an international city and its popularity is growing rapidly. Barack Obama, former US President is reportedly coming to Manchester this October. pic.twitter.com/9twbfaIWbI
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
