Posted on: Thursday 22 December 2022
Seven new warm hubs are being set up in Torfaen, thanks to Welsh Government funding of more than £35,000.
Nine organisations in total applied for grants to provide warm spaces, including two which already run warm hubs at the Salvation Army and Tasty not Wasty in Cwmbran.
The new hubs will be at:
- Thornhill Community Centre
- Sharon Church Pontypool
- St Mary's Croesyceilliog
- Fairhill Methodist Church Cwmbran
- Cwmbran Stadium
Andrew Goodwin from Torfaen & Blaenau Gwent Mind, in Pontypool, said: “The money has allowed us to provide a free and welcoming warm space for the first time.
“We will be offering refreshments, as well as access to kitchen, washing, drying and showering facilities and free Wi-Fi and TV.
“We can also help with advice and support with employment, food banks and computer access.”
All the new hubs are set to open in the new year.
Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “I am pleased we were able to support these organisations to provide new warm hubs, thanks to Welsh Government funding.
“We want to continue supporting them and look to set up new hubs where there is unmet demand, particular during evenings so those who are working during the daytime are supported too.
“The council will look to extend our work with the third sector and community partners who are well placed to understand the needs of their communities. There's also opportunity for private sector provision who may wish to support hubs.”
The organisations are also being supported by Torfaen Voluntary Alliances’ Opening Doors programme.
You can find a list of warm hubs that are operating across Torfaen on the Connect Torfaen website.