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Hillingdon Council, in partnership with a range of community organisations, is once again providing a network of warm and welcoming venues for residents to visit for a free hot drink and some company during the colder winter days.
The Warm Welcome Centres at churches, leisure centres, community centres, libraries offer a range of activities including coffee mornings, board games, arts and crafts and book clubs.
Health and wellbeing advice is also available, with opportunities to access information and join workshops and exercise classes.
Last winter, more than 8,000 visits were made to centres across the borough by 547 residents.
Jan Joslin, from Eastcote, attends the centre at Hayes End Methodist Church with her husband Joe. Its Welcome Wednesdays give visitors the opportunity to meet new people, socialise, enjoy a hot drink and meal and take part in gentle exercise classes.
Jan said: “Joe has people to talk to, and we’ve met some lovely people as well – they are so friendly. As soon as you walk in there’s a cup of tea made. A lot of people haven’t got anyone and here you just meet so many people. The volunteers are amazing.”
Madan Sharda, from Hayes, also attends the centre and added: “My wife passed away two years ago, I live alone and I don’t go to pubs or clubs. The centre is near to my home, it’s a good service and they treat you like friends – the whole idea is that the community gets together. I also enjoy the exercise classes because it’s good for my health.”
Christopher Reade, from Hayes End, said: “I think it’s important that people have got somewhere they can go and meet new people, talk to one another and, particularly if anyone’s living on their own, that’s important. It’s open to everybody, which is good.”
Cllr Jane Palmer, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "Our Warm Welcome Centres are friendly places where residents can enjoy activities, keep active and healthy while also staying warm and connecting with other people during the colder winter months.
“This is a valuable part of our partnership work and winter support initiatives to create thriving, healthy households, support our communities and help our most vulnerable residents."
To see all available activities, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/13941/Warm-welcome-centres.