As temperatures begin to drop, warm hubs across Bridgend have begun to offer their communities a welcoming space to stay warm and keep safe.
Services available in some hubs across the borough include Wi-Fi access, toilet facilities, as well as activities and refreshments, and are intended to offer an accessible and warm environment to help residents reduce the cost of heating their homes, and to help those facing fuel poverty this winter.
Read More: Work to upgrade playgrounds to make them inclusive for all in Bridgend
Councillor Rhys Goode said: “It’s absolutely vital that we continue to offer residents as much support as possible during the winter and current cost-of-living crisis. One way of achieving this is by working together with key partners such as Awen, Welsh Government and other local organisations to create initiatives such as the Warm Welcome Programme.
"It’s really pleasing that this programme can offer a wide range of support, in a relaxed and friendly environment. It’s also great to see that this help will be offered right across the county borough and will be readily available to all residents."
From November 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl will host a Creative Cwtch every Monday from 10am until 12 noon, where local crafters can bring their own crafts to knit and natter whilst enjoying a free cup of tea and the beautiful sea views.
On Wednesdays, except December 21 and 28, the theatre will be encouraging anyone who works from home to do their day’s work from the Oriel Bar instead, with free hot drinks and Wi-Fi to help keep those productivity levels high.
On Friday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm, the café will be hosting free live music gigs from some of the best musicians in the UK. Free tea and coffee will be provided. There is no need to book tickets in advance.
At Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall, Workplace Mondays will take place every week in the studio between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Creative Cwtch will be held every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm and Free Music Fridays will be held in the main hall from 10am to 12pm.
Awen Libraries across the county borough of Bridgend will continue to open their doors in the usual way all winter with free Wi-Fi, magazines newspapers and books, space to relax, read or work and a weekly programme of activities including craft sessions, reading groups and story times.
With funding from the Welsh Government’s Place to Connect campaign, which highlights the important role libraries play in supporting people’s health and well-being, free hot drinks will be provided and jigsaws and board games will also be available for all customers to use.
Library staff will also be on hand to help members use the public PCs to access the internet and they are well-placed to signpost people to reliable, high quality information and other organisations who can offer support during the cost of living crisis.
To read the full list of public spaces and buildings in Bridgend which people can use this winter see here. You can read more of our stories from Bridgend here, or subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
Read Next:
