23
Dec
Harrogate organisations to provide free hot lunches and warm space over winter
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A group of Harrogate organisations has launched a warm space initiative to help isolated people cope with winter.
Harrogate Neighbours, Supporting Older People and Harrogate Housing Association have teamed up to provide the service, which includes hot food and drink, from today (December 23) until March 2025.
It will be held at Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub on Starbeck High Street every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am until 5pm.
People who turn up will be able to enjoy a free bowl of soup, a bread roll, a sweet treat and hot drinks at the hub between midday and 2pm.
The organisations hope the service will support people during the colder months and help tackle loneliness.
Vic Smith-Dunn, manager of Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub, today said:
We want this to be a place where people feel connected, cared for and part of something. ‘Warm Spaces’ is not just about keeping warm, or enjoying a bowl of soup, it’s about creating a sense of community and belonging.
We are really grateful to the Harrogate Housing Association and Supporting Older People for working with us to make this possible.
The hub is closed on Christmas Day, but it is open between 2pm and 4pm on Boxing Day. Soup will not be served on Boxing Day, December 30 or December 31.
In addition to the warm space initiative, Harrogate Neighbours will also offer a meals-on-wheels service on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Kate Rogata, director at Supporting Older People, added:
Supporting Older People and our partners at Together in Harrogate, Age UK, North Yorkshire and Darlington and Harrogate Town Community Foundation are delighted to be able to support this project.
We received a wellbeing and prevention grant from North Yorkshire Council and set some of it aside for projects like this to ensure the funding benefits as many people and small organisations as possible.
Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub is open 10am until 5pm, Monday to Wednesday, and 10am until 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
Soup will not be served on Thursdays and Fridays.
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