THE successful Wellington Warm Place project has been described as a “life saver” by one person who attends the weekly lunch.

The Warm Place initiative was launched in October 2022 and each Thursday during the winter months it provides a free lunch and supper along with activities and a chance for people to socialise, while in the summer it is lunch only at the Wellington Baptist Church in South Street.

Elaine Snell, of Wellington Baptist Church, said the initiative offered people the chance to have a warm meal and a place to chat and mix with others – some of whom might be struggling.

She told Wellington Town Council’s annual parish meeting on May 28 that up to 45 people attended the lunch each Thursday, while 30 went along for the weekly supper during the winter.

“The cost of living crisis is still with us – it’s not going away,” said Elaine.

Councillors were told that people who attended the Warm Place were struggling with financial problems, while some had mental health issues including early signs of dementia.

And there is no doubt that the Wellington Warm Place is proving a hugely beneficial resource for the local community.

“It’s almost become like a family,” explained Elaine. “People do feel comfortable coming along each week where they can have a meal, do some activities and chat with others.”

The town council awarded the Wellington Warm Place initiative a £2,400 grant last summer to help with the ongoing costs of putting on the important local service.

Elaine stressed how important the council’s support was to its continuing success.

“Without the support of the council funding we would be struggling – it’s difficult to cook a meal cheaply these days,” she said. “One person told us that Wellington Warm Place had been a life saver, while another told us that it gave them a reason to get up on a Thursday.

“It is a project that we want to continue and the need is definitely there for the community. But we know there are lots of people in Wellington who we know would benefit, but it’s difficult to reach them.”

A Warm Place spokesperson said: “All across the UK cost of living rises are causing households to struggle with paying bills, heating homes and eating well.

“Wellington Warm Place is a weekly initiative led by Wellington Baptist Church, with the support of volunteers and the local council, aiming to provide a safe, warm place for people and families to come together, share a meal and support each other.

“We provide hot and cold drinks, snacks, meals, toiletries basket, newspapers and internet access.

“Warm Place has been set up with the simple aim of showing love to the community of Wellington.”

The Wellington Warm Place at the Baptist Church Hall in South Street is open on Thursdays from 9.30am to 7pm, October to March, and from 11.30am to 2pm, March to October.

For further information, visit wellywarmplace.co.uk