It’s a sad fact that millions of people are struggling at the moment and the coming winter months will be filled with dread and worry especially those on lower incomes.

As a charity who has worked to support children, families and communities since 1934, we are all too aware of the horrendous effects the cost of living crisis is having on the physical, emotional and psychological health and wellbeing of so many in our local community. Uncertainty around meeting even basic needs such as food and heating will have a huge and a possible long-term impact on individuals, families and the wider community as energy and food prices rise.  This is why we have registered with Warm Welcome UK to offer a warm space and friendly face at Plungington Community Centre this winter.

Susan Swarbrick, CEO, Caritas Care said, “We wanted to be there for people living in the community we have been supporting for almost 90 years.  We believe in welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness and bringing communities together to support each other in times like these.”

“We consider it our responsibility as a charity to do what we can to support those people living in our community who have the least and whose needs are the greatest. Through partnering with organisations like Warm Spaces UK, we can be part of a wider network who share our values and commitment to helping people in times of need in our respective communities.”

At Plungington Community Centre we want to be here for you, to support you through the challenging times ahead by offering you a free Warm Space where you can come along, for as long as you want Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm when our Community Café will be open for all.  You don’t need to buy anything so feel free to bring a flask of tea or coffee and some sandwiches if you wish.  The important thing is that you are warm and amongst friends.

Plungington Centre Manager, Ben Clayton said, “Our Warm Space offers a warm, friendly and inclusive, non-judgmental space where people’s confidentiality and privacy is respected. It’s free to come in – you can grab a brew and snack from the café or bring your own, we don’t mind how long you stay, what we care about is that you are warm and safe. We offer free Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging points and regular activities* that you are welcome to join in with.  It is a space for you.  It is a space for you to meet and spend time with friends and family. Anyone can pop in for a cuppa and we guarantee you will be given a warm welcome.”

If you want to find out more about what’s on at the centre, click here or give us a call on 01772 827840.

*charges may apply, please check directly with the centre.