The Centre Spot in Oswestry is one of more than 80 community spaces and council buildings taking part in the Warm Welcome scheme for Shropshire residents this winter.

The building, managed by The New Saints FC Foundation, will be designated a Warm Welcome Hub in the scheme which is a collaboration between Shropshire Council and partners across the county.

Gill Jones, of the Foundation said that the colder months could be lonely and challenging for many people, especially those worried about the cost of energy bills.

“We are delighted to be part of this county-wide scheme to provide a space where people can go for free to socialise, meet friends and take part in activities while also keeping warm,” she said.

The Centre Spot will be open every weekday between 9.30am and 3.00pm, with some activities also taking place in the evenings, including a Tuesday evening youth and family drop in between 3pm and 6pm for those looking for a warm welcome, a hot drink, free wi-fi, table games, etc

In addition, OsNosh is being supported through the scheme to provide its Friday morning community café and food share table in the building, which is supplemented by the Foundation’s Friday morning Games Room provision between 10.30am and 1.30pm, and also to continue its Thursday morning community café.

A web page highlighting each Warm Welcome location, its opening times and what is on offer is now available on the Shropshire Council cost of living website. Each location will display the Shropshire Warm Welcome logo and all are warm, safe, inclusive and free to enter.

Councillor Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council cabinet member for finance, said: “The colder and darker winter months can be a tough time for many people. Please know you are not alone. There are lots of community spaces open during autumn and winter where you can spend as little or as long as you like during their opening hours.

“Keep warm, meet new people or catch-up with friends and find out what kind of support is on offer in Shropshire. Some places, like our council libraries, will also have books, toys, games, free WiFi, interesting talks and more.”

Information for anyone concerned about the rising cost of living is also available on the Shropshire Council website where there is support with issues including energy, food, money and mental health as well as expert blogs.

There is also an online checklist residents can work through to ensure they are maximising their incomes and reducing costs where possible.

The cost of living advice and support is a partnership between Shropshire Council, Citizens Advice Shropshire, Marches Energy Agency, Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance, Age UK, Community Resource, The Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly and Shropshire Mental Health Support.

Information on activities at The Centre Spot is available by emailing the Foundation at info@tnsfcfoundation.org.uk

Members of the Foundation team at The Centre Spot.