find a warm welcome this winter at groups supported by believe housing grants

When it’s cold outside and the cost of living continues to affect many of us, it’s good to know where you can find a warm welcome.

Grants from believe housing are supporting not-for-profit groups across County Durham to run activities aimed at boosting people’s overall wellbeing.

We’ve rounded up a few groups which have received community investment funding from the housing association and are currently offering a warm space – with some also providing social activities or food.

Please check with your local group before popping along, as some activities will not be held during the festive period.

  • Laurel Avenue Community Association, in Gilesgate, offers a free breakfast and crafts and activities for the over 50’s on Tuesdays, 10am to noon.
  • Bishop Auckland Baptist Church, on Westfield Road, opens its drop-in community hub as a warm space with hot drinks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm.
  • In Peterlee, Peter Lee Memorial Methodist Church’s community café provides a free warm space from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Fridays, 9am to 4.30pm. People can also access a variety of support and services including a foodbank and debt, benefit, and budgeting advice.
  • Ludworth Community Association serves affordable hot meals for anyone struggling on Wednesdays, noon to 1pm, and Sunday lunches, which can be delivered for a small additional cost. Booking advised.
  • Seaham Repair Café is based at St John’s Church, in Seaham, on the second Saturday of the month, noon to 4pm. Take your broken or damaged items along for expert volunteers to try to fix – so you don’t have to buy a new one and saving it from landfill. Free tea and cakes, all welcome even if you don’t have an item for repair.
  • Willington Open Door Methodist Church, Lydia Street, runs Our Confident Community with activities on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm. It also has a foodbank and the church’s Grace and Flavour Café is open weekdays.
  • Murton Salvation Army, on Cookson Terrace, runs Community Meals serving affordable meals for all. It serves lunch on Tuesdays, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and a full breakfast on Saturdays, 9.30am to 11am.

A list of Warm Spaces in County Durham can be found online at www.durhamlocate.org.uk.