CHURCHES and community centres throughout south Shropshire will be open during the winter to help people to keep warm.

They will provide some warmth and shelter for people who are unable to afford to heat their home.

Labelled as warm welcome centres the venues in south Shropshire are Ludlow Library, Church Stretton Library, the Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton, Bishops Castle Community Foodbank, Bishops Castle Library, SpArC in Bishops Castle, Cleobury Mortimer Library, Cleobury Community Hub, Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall and St Mary’s Church in Cleobury Mortimer.

These are amongst more than 50 community spaces and council buildings that will be offering a Warm Welcome to Shropshire residents this autumn and winter.    The colder months can be a lonely and challenging time for many people, especially those who may be worried about the cost of energy bills.   

The Warm Welcome project is a collaboration between Shropshire Council and partners which highlights community venues where people can go for free to socialise, meet friends and take part in activities while also keeping warm.    

Each location will soon bear the Shropshire Warm Welcome logo, and is free to enter, warm, safe and inclusive.    

“The colder and darker winter months can be a tough time for many people,” said Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance and corporate resources

“Please know you are not alone. There are lots of community spaces open during autumn and winter where you can spend as little or as long as you like during their opening hours.   

“Keep warm, meet new people or catch up with friends and find out what kind of support is on offer in Shropshire. Some places, like our council libraries, will also have books, toys, games, free WiFi, interesting talks and more.” 

For support finding the nearest centre, contact 0345 678 9012

Cost of living advice and support is a partnership between Shropshire Council, Citizens Advice Shropshire, Marches Energy Agency, Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance, Age UK, Community Resource, The Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly and Shropshire Mental Health Support.