In Halifax, a community center provides warmth and meals as temperatures drop to minus 11C, showcasing human kindness in tough times
Halifax: This week, temperatures dropped to a biting minus 11C, and Mel Rumble was busy clearing the icy pavement at the Our Place community center. By midday, the place was buzzing with warmth and activity.
In Boothtown, the radiators were cranked up, and they were serving a hearty two-course meal of soup and apple pie to a steady stream of visitors. “It’s actually a bit quiet today,” Mel, 42, mentioned. “We usually have around 80 people, but the snow and ice kept some folks at home.”
Volunteers braved the icy conditions to pick up guests, navigating black ice and road closures. This is what a “Warm Welcome” is all about, especially on the coldest day of the year. It’s been two years since Gordon Brown launched this initiative as part of the 2022 Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal.
It’s not just about the warmth of the building; it’s about the warmth of human kindness. The Our Place warm space in Halifax is a haven for people of all ages to gather and stay warm during winter.
Now, there are nearly 5,000 warm spaces across the country, all linked together in what the former Prime Minister calls a “Chain of Hope.” This winter alone, over 900 new spaces have joined, with more than 40 registering since the cold snap hit.
For many in low-income communities, places like Our Space are a lifeline. “It’s nice and warm in here today,” said Shelley Ledgard, 44, a disabled mom from Halifax. She’s a carer for her daughter and husband and appreciates the warmth and safety of the center.
“I don’t usually turn the heating on at home because of the bills. Here, I feel relaxed and safe.”
As parts of Britain face a cold health alert, 94-year-old Olivia Turner from Brighouse was enjoying her time at the center, choosing a bingo prize. “I love coming here,” she said with a smile. “I talk to anyone and everyone.”
Meanwhile, 11-week-old Finley was there with his mom, Jodie Robinson, 28, who brought her sister and her 14-month-old daughter, Tia. Both babies were snug in thick blankets.
“It’s been so cold this week,” Jodie shared. “Even when the heating is on at home, it doesn’t feel warm, and then you worry about the cost.”
Olivia agreed, saying, “Last night was freezing. I had my Oodie on under the duvet, but it’s really cozy here, and there’s always someone to chat with. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
There’s even a “wellbeing wall” where visitors can grab tinned food, blankets, hand warmers, and thermal hats. “Last year, we gave away 80 electric blankets,” Mel noted. “But people were scared to run up a bill. This week could be dangerous for those who can’t move around much, so we’re finding ways to keep them warm at home too.”
Warm Welcome spaces come in all shapes and sizes. Down in Nottingham, Luke Goss opened up a converted garage known as “Hope Hut” to provide warmth and food.
“It started ten years ago when we saw kids playing dangerous games in the street,” Luke explained. “Now, with the Warm Hut, we have kids of all ages coming in to enjoy soup and hot drinks.”
Kate Burns, 73, visits with her granddaughter. “The Warm Hut is essential with prices skyrocketing,” she said. Her granddaughter loves coming to color and play games.
Supermarket worker Andy Wong and his wife Hui bring their two kids, Ronald and Aelia. “It’s a great place for us to relax while the kids play,” Andy said. “It really helps ease the stress.”
Patricia Phillipson, a 21-year-old volunteer, has been involved since she was 14. “The cost of living affects mental health,” she said. “Many community services have closed, and we’re trying to keep young people off the streets.”
Starting January 20, “Blue Monday,” the network will host its first Warm Welcome Week to tackle isolation and the cold. “January can be tough,” said David Barclay, the campaign director. “This week will bring warmth to the coldest month.”
Back in Halifax, Jeanette Martin, 71, and her husband Len were enjoying chicken soup. “We’ve been stuck at home since Saturday. We couldn’t wait to get here for the warmth,” Jeanette said.
Mel, who has volunteered since she was 14, took over the center after her mom passed away. “Everyone needs help right now,” she said. “I know there are people at home feeling cold and alone. We don’t want anyone to feel that way.”
Find a Warm Welcome – www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space#map
