Warm Welcome returns for the winter

Each winter demand for our social groups increases, with people looking for a warm place, a warm meal and most of all a warm welcome.

In the winter of 2023/4 we saw an increase of 65% on the previous year, with over 2000 people coming to us, from after school and holiday clubs for families to luncheon clubs and active groups for older and vulnerable adults.

This year we anticipate an even bigger turn out for our groups as the Cost of Living Crisis, rising energy prices and the reduction in heating allowances are making it harder to spread the cost, particularly for those on fixed incomes. The following groups are available to everyone, with a suggested donation, meaning that for those most in need they can access our sessions free of charge.

You can help us to provide this valuable service by donating via our Donorbox Warm Welcome campaign

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From 1 October:

Tuesday Tea, Tuesdays* 3.45pm - 5pm

Run in conjunction with the Hexham Youth Initiative, our Tuesday Tea Intergenerational Group provides a fabulous opportunity for younger and older people to socialise regularly. Members spend their time together chatting, sharing skills, and playing games. One thing is for sure, it’s always lively, full of energy, cake and smiles!

Lunch Club, Wednesdays 11am - 1pm

Running for over 20 years, our Wednesday Luncheon Club is more popular than ever! Supporting our older community, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends or meet new people, and socialise over a delicious, hot two-course meal.

Carpet Bowls, Fridays 1pm - 3pm

Whether you are a total beginner or a member at another club, our Carpet Bowls Club is a great place to join others for a game, socialise and keep active. We'll take a break halfway through for homemade soup and rolls. 

Sunday Social, Sunday 11am - 1pm 

Weekends can be a tough time for those living in poverty or isolation so the new Sunday Social has been introduced to bring people of all ages together in a warm space for a warm meal to chat and pass the time with games and crafts.

October Half Term, Monday 28th - Thursday 31st October, 10am - 2pm

Our holiday games room is back with LEGO building challenges, make and take Halloween papercraft decorations and some spooky games. The Games Room is free, but donations are welcome. A cash tuck shop is available. Children must be accompanied by adults. No booking required

From 4 November:

After October Half Term our After School Stay and Plays will return to winter service, with an extra Monday Games Room session and warm food added to our regular Art and LEGO Clubs. Free for those who need it to be, suggested donation of £2 per child for those who can. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult

After School Games Room, Mondays 3.30pm - 5pm

After School Art Club, Wednesdays 3.30pm - 5pm

Mountains of art materials to do your own things and a guided build each week to get creative and develop your art skills in a fun and informal way.

After School LEGO Club, Thursdays 3.30pm - 5pm

Four tables with LOADS OF LEGO to get building. As part of the Community Centre's 125th birthday year we will also be working on a grou pbuild, recreating the Centre in LEGO!!

 

Christmas Day Lunch, Wednesday 25th December, 12pm - 3.30pm (Lunch served at 1pm) 

For the past 27 years the Community Centre has hosted a Christmas Lunch for those who would otherwise be alone. Last year over 40 people joined us to celebrate together and we expect the same if not more to join us this year. If you, or someone you know, will be alone this Christmas please contact the Centre on 01434 602707 to book in for lunch with us. Transport can be arranged for those who need it.

 

How you can help?

We have received crucial funding support from Community Foundation Tyne and Wear, along with our core funders Hexham Town Council and the Sir James Knott Trust, but we are in need of around £5000 to be able to extend our activity during the winter months.  

Any donation is gratefully received via our Donorbox Warm Welcome campaign:

• £3 will provide a child with a meal and meaningful activity at our After School Stay and Plays.
• £7 will cover the cost of a meal for an older person at our daytime sessions.
• £15 will provide Christmas Dinner for someone who would otherwise be alone.
• £60 will pay for a Playworker for the day during the school holidays.
• £100 will pay for Sunday Lunch for up to 15 people living in social isolation.  

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