More than 120 community drop-in points are open across North Lanarkshire to allow residents to meet others this winter.
North Lanarkshire Council has worked in partnership with community groups, churches and other organisations to provide warm, welcome places for people to use to meet friends or just get out of the house for a while.
The majority offer free coffee and tea and public toilets.
“During the winter it can be more difficult to get out and about and, for many people, that can lead to feeling lonely and isolated from friends, family and neighbours,” said North Lanarkshire Council Leader Jim Logue.
“Our community drop-in points offer everyone a place locally where everyone can feel welcome. People can meet up with others for a chat, do homework or study, or just enjoy some time away from their home.”
In October, councillors were asked to approve the £450,000 measures as new research revealed that one in three Scottish households is expected to be in extreme fuel poverty – spending more than 20 per cent of income on energy costs – by January.
A report prepared for October’s full council meeting stated: “The winter months will be extremely challenging for a significant number of households.
“Thousands of people in North Lanarkshire will be forced into fuel poverty and have to make tough decisions about when and what they eat and when they can afford to heat their home.”
A map of all the drop-in points, their opening hours and facilities is available online.
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