An amazing gesture of kindness to help others save energy at home and enjoy company is spreading across the region for the winter months still to come.
Dumfries and Galloway now has 47 different “warm spaces” set up in everywhere from town and church halls to community centres, libraries, supermarkets and museums.
The gathering places offer an opportunity for those in isolation or for anyone just needing a cuppa, a chat with others, or something to eat.
Many are run for an hour or so a week by big-hearted volunteers from charities and community groups, and others are in public places with funders.
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway has mapped all the current free warm spaces available across the region.
The easy guide, DGLocator, is free to download as an app for Apple devices at https://apple.co/3BbTNs8 and for Android at https://bit.ly/dglocatorandroid, and there is a website at https://dglocator.org.uk/.
Myra Smith, community champion at Morrisons supermarket has just started Warm Wednesdays, sponsored by Dumfries Lions Club, in the new community room near the store’s cafe.
From 11.30am to 1.30pm each Wednesday throughout January and February the inviting space is open to anyone wanting to pop for company with free hot drinks, soup and snacks on offer.
Myra said: “There will be a warm welcome guaranteed. Thank you to Dumfries Lions Club for helping make this possible.”
St John’s Church is opening up its hall on Lovers Walk from 11.30am to 3pm each Wednesday until March.
A spokesperson said: “We are offering a warm space with tea, coffee, soup, companionship and support. We also have internet access. All are welcome to come whether a churchgoer or not.”
Moffat Museum, normally closed outside of the tourist season, launched its “Warm Bank” at Harthope House, Churchgate on Monday.
A spokesman for the trustees said: “To properly look after our exhibits we have to keep the heating on through the winter so we thought we could offer a warm, comfortable space for people.
“As with all our services, we rely on the enthusiasm and commitment of our volunteers and they will be at the museum and are looking forward to welcoming people to our interesting, comfortable, relaxing space.”
Each Monday from now until the end of March, the museum will be opening it doors from 11am until 3pm with visitors welcome to look around the exhibits or enjoy a quiet, comfortable space to sit and read or just to go in for a chat and a coffee.
Wamphray Community Council is piloting a warm hub and held its first session in the village hall from 10am until noon on Monday.
They plan to continue to run it on Mondays from now on subject to support and need.
A statement from the community council said the first session provided “lots of chat, a bit of jigsaw making, domino competition and lovely scones, shortbread and tea/coffee.
“We’re back on next Monday 10am to noon with tea/coffee and scones available along with the opportunity to chat, play dominoes, cards or jigsaws. Frequency will depend on uptake. Transport can be arranged. Look forward to seeing you there.”
Another launch on Monday was the “Welcome Inn” warm space for Kelloholm and Kirkconnel which is being organised and funded though the area’s Development Trust and the Upper Nithsdale Food Sharing Group.
The facility will open each Monday from 10am to 4pm at the Nith Buildings in Kelloholm.
A spokesman said: “Our first warm space went really well, lots of chat, lots of laughter, lots of hugs, lots of nibbles, and all of that kept us warm. Can we wait until next Monday? No we can’t.
“It’s a chance to socialise, get out of the house for a wee while, pop in for a cup of tea or coffee, have some soup and a sandwich, keep warm and play dominoes or cards. You can meet others, have fun, and learn something new.”
It’s free with Foodshare raising the funds to pay for it any donations would be appreciated.
Across Dumfriesshire other warm spaces have been running for a while including one held in Lockerbie Town Hall on a monthly basis.
The next gathering will be on January 28 from 10am until noon. The drinks are provided by the town’s Tesco Lockerbie and the room hire is paid for by Yes Lockerbie. Other dates to come are February 25 and March 25.
Dumfries YMCAFE, Lochside, has a wonderful offer from 9am to 2pm every Monday to Friday.
“They can also take advantage of our £1 menu, or for anyone with very limited disposable income, we can offer then the £1 special for free due to the kindness of others who have donated to our Pay it Forward project. Just say at the counter ‘my bill is covered’ and there will be no questions asked.”
