REPRESENTATIVES from the Wyre Forest-based Warm Welcome groups came together at Wribbenhall Community Centre to share their experiences and good practice.
More than 60 volunteers participated in the celebration of the work being done to provide warm and welcoming spaces to people in Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport throughout the year.
The event was hosted by Janet Higginbotham and volunteers from the Heaven On Severn charity, which is based at the Wribbenhall Community Centre.
The gathering was attended by the Mayor of Bewdley, Coun Nicole Harper, and by Sharon Harvey, Chair of the Bewdley Dementia Carers Group.
They took the opportunity to present Elaine Howell from Bewdley Medical Centre with a certificate from the Bewdley Dementia Support Group, thanking her for all the help and support she has given to the charity since its creation 18 months ago.
The Warm Welcome scheme was initially set up to encourage groups to provide a warm and safe space during the winter months, for those facing economic hardship and social isolation.
All the Warm Spaces in Wyre Forest provide free hot drinks and a place for people to get together to talk. Many also provide a range of activities including crafts, board games and jigsaw puzzles.
Increasingly, the groups are providing light refreshments and hot meals.
Many of the schemes open their doors year-round, as the demand for their services continues to grow.
Anyone wanting to find out where there are warm spaces in Wyre Forest district can visit: wyreforestdc.gov.uk/council-tax-and-benefits/financial-support/warm-welcome-spaces for more.
Everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect, and it does not matter why they need a warm space.
Whatever their reason for coming, they will not be judged.
