COPELAND’S residents enjoyed a friendly welcome this week at the borough’s busiest Warm Wellness Hub.

The hub provides a place for people to socialise during the autumn and winter months, enjoy a free hot meal, and get crafty.

The sessions run every Monday from 10am to 2pm at Whitehaven’s United Reformed Church. Anyone is welcome, and Copeland’s Social Prescribing team and local organisations are there to offer advice, and signpost services.

Emma Williamson, Social Inclusion and Community Resilience Team Leader for Copeland Borough Council, said: “We welcomed more than 65 residents to the Warm Wellness Hub on Monday, making it our busiest one yet.

“The rising cost of living is highlighting the importance of providing resources for resilience. Whether people are using the hub to get a warm meal, receive help from wellbeing services, or simply to socialise – we’ve had lots of compliments on the friendly, community atmosphere.”

Marie Parry, Kells, attended the sessions and said: “We’re enjoying the session, it’s nice to talk to someone. I’m going to bring my daughter next time.”

This initiative is delivered in partnership with Rosehill Theatre, Groundworks and the NHS, to help alleviate some problems caused by the cost of living crisis.

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