Newcastle College is opening its doors to help keep people warm this winter, as the cost of living crisis worsens. The College will open up to the community twice a week, on Tuesdays from 5-7.30pm at HE Hub Armstrong House and Fridays from 1-3.30pm at Riverside Dene Campus.
The aim of the service is to provide a safe, warm space with access to hot food and a range of activities and support.
As well as keeping people warm, hot drinks and soup will be available free of charge, along with free internet access and a range of films, activities and board games.
The project will be launching this week, and will partner with Newcastle United Foundation. The College will also consider offering additional times if they are needed.
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“We consider Newcastle College to be at the heart of our community and we want to provide for that community during this difficult time. The weather has really started to turn cold, and nobody should have to face the choice between heating or eating."
"We want to make sure that the most vulnerable people in our community can come and keep warm and safe, and so our warm spaces are open to everybody. There will be warm meals provided and there will be a range of crafts and activities for everyone", said Principal Scott Bullock.
On Fridays, the College will offer IT access and support with CV writing and job searching. Scott believes that this is at the heart of what Newcastle College should be doing.
“Our role in the North East is to enable social mobility and economic prosperity and make real impact in the local area. We’re here to help people of all ages and backgrounds whatever their circumstances. Part of that is providing access to technology, but we also want to provide as much practical advice and support as possible too.
“It’s not just about keeping warm, it’s a safe space and a safe community that I hope can really make a difference to people in our local area", he added.
There is no need to book or register in order to use Newcastle College’s warm spaces, just turn up at the locations on the days and times mentioned.
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