THERE are now nearly 70 warm hubs across Warwickshire.
And the network is still growing.
Warwickshire Rural Community Council’s warm hubs and winter warm hubs are all warm, welcoming places where people can go to meet up with neighbours and make new friends. Each hub offers different activities and refreshments, or even a hot meal.
Some organise seated exercise sessions, short mat bowls or zumba, arts and crafts activities, bingo or board games – or just the chance to settle down with a good book and free wifi.
Seasonal winter warm hubs run up to the end of March while permanent warm hubs provide a warm welcome to attendees all year round.
Warm hubs project manager Jackie Holcroft, said: “Warm hubs are sociable places at the heart of their local communities. We’ve been running this project, supported by Cadent, since November 2020 to help communities affected by the “double whammy” of Covid lockdown and the cost of living crisis.
“We know these hubs are really important for people’s happiness and wellbeing, as well as being places where they can access practical advice and support if needed. It can be easy to become overwhelmed at times and not know where to turn for help – and that’s when a cup of coffee and a friendly chat can make all the difference for someone, especially on a cold winter’s day.”
Citizens Advice, Act on Energy, Family Information Services, Warwickshire Healthwatch and the Fire and Rescue Service are just a few of the community support services and organisations which visit WRCC’s network of hubs.
The British Motor Museum is also visiting hubs again this winter, as are Warwickshire Libraries Service with their Tea and Tech sessions.
Anyone who would like to apply for a £500 grant to set up a warm hub in their community can do so by applying to Warwickshire County Council by Wednesday January 17.
For more information visit www.wrccrural.org.uk/warm-hubs-news or call the Warm Hubs team on 01789 842182.
