Houghton and Wyton Timebank have set up a welcoming Warm Space at St Mary’s Centre, Houghton, bringing their community together in a safe, warm and friendly environment.

Residents can visit to enjoy refreshments and social activity, obtain information and advice and share the company of others.

On Tuesday, December 13, the Vice-Chair of Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), Cllr Steve McAdam, visited Houghton’s Warm Space to spend time with residents and see how the community is being supported this winter.

Speaking to Ste Greenall of Black Cat Radio, who is supporting The Hunts Post's There With You This Winter campaign, Cllr McAdam said: "It’s so good to see, coming here today, that there is so much friendship and camaraderie.

The Hunts Post: A group of residents sharing lunch with Timebank coordinator Rose Williams whilst speaking to Black Cat Radio's Ste Greenall.A group of residents sharing lunch with Timebank coordinator Rose Williams whilst speaking to Black Cat Radio's Ste Greenall. (Image: Huntingdonshire District Council)

“It is not just about providing a Warm Space for residents, but a place where people can get help and information to improve their lives.

"With such low temperatures in December, I am glad warm spaces like this have been launched."

The Warm Space in Houghton is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am to 4pm for all to enjoy.

Houghton & Wyton Timebank co-ordinator, Rose Williams, said: “It is open to everyone in our community regardless of their need, and although most people are attending on their own, they have found it a great place to meet others.

“We are really feeling it, it is so cold out there, so hopefully, we can continue to encourage people to come and connect with others and make connections that will make us all more resilient through the colder months.”

The Hunts Post: Everyone shared lunch together and lots of volunteers are helping out at the warm space, which also helps to keep them warm too.Everyone shared lunch together and lots of volunteers are helping out at the warm space, which also helps to keep them warm too. (Image: Newsquest)

Reverend Geoff Boucher also told Ste: “It extends that sense of social engagement but also dealing with the heating issue and people coming out to a place of warmth, so there’s a physical warmth and also the warmth of the hospitality and sharing of life. It’s just a lovely thing to do.

"This is community at its best, and it is happening very naturally.”

HDC is coordinating the network of spaces across Huntingdonshire and has created an online directory of venues.

Organisations that register for the programme can apply for a Warm Space Community Chest Grant of up to £500 to help them create or improve Warm Spaces to make a positive difference for those living in the area.

To find your nearest Warm Space, visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/warmspaceslocations.