DEDICATED volunteers have launched a range of community initiatives to help disadvantaged individuals and families through the cost of living crisis and cold weather this winter. 

Charities, organisations and councils have come together in Malmesbury to organise a wide-ranging programme of free warm places and activities.

This includes a new luncheon club at the Town Hall which offers older people subsidised meals and the Heals community wardrobe at Riverside Community Centre which provides free clothing. 

Last year some sessions had already begun in the library, at the Kings Church and at the United Reformed Church.

The work is being led by town mayor, Cllr Kim Power and deputy mayor and Wiltshire councillor Cllr Gavin Grant.

Full details of the additional free sessions and activities programme are attached below. 

Malmesbury mayor Kim Power said: “Many residents are now facing a tough time, especially after Christmas.

"They are finding it difficult to afford heating, food, clothes and other household bills due to the unprecedented rise in energy and other costs. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Malmesbury community wardrobe opened on Tuesday (January 17) (L -R) Organiser Ruby Blaken, town councillor Catherine Doody and HEALS chair Cllr Gavin GrantMalmesbury community wardrobe opened on Tuesday (January 17) (L -R) Organiser Ruby Blaken, town councillor Catherine Doody and HEALS chair Cllr Gavin Grant (Image: Malmesbury Winter Support Programme)

“The community has come together to provide a range of warm places, where people can spend time outside of their homes, to help reduce their heating bills. 

“Many of the venues also provide refreshments and activities free of charge or greatly subsidised. 

“I would like to reassure people that many are in the same circumstances, especially if you find yourself worried by the current situation. 

“There is assistance, advice and support available for you locally. 

“Please take advantage of the warm places, some with activities and refreshments and some where you can just relax on your own.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The public living room takes place every Tuesday at the library The public living room takes place every Tuesday at the library (Image: Winter Support Programme)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Volunteers from the luncheon club at Malmesbury Town Hall - where every Wednesdays over 60s can get a two-course meal for just £3.50 Volunteers from the luncheon club at Malmesbury Town Hall - where every Wednesdays over 60s can get a two-course meal for just £3.50 (Image: Malmesbury Winter Support Programme)

Leaflets with additional information about the winter programme are being distributed to every household in the town. 

Warm spaces 

Monday 

Malmesbury Library 

Coffee and conversation from 2pm to 5pm 

Aimed at all ages.

Chat, warm drinks, biscuits, soup, toast puzzles, board games and toys. 

Tuesday 

Malmesbury Library 

Rhyme time from 11am to 11.30am

Aimed at babies and families - songs rhymes and movement 

Family time from 11.30am to 12.30pm

Aimed at babies and families - meet other parents/carers, chat, warm drinks, biscuits, books and toys 

Public living room from 1.30pm to 4.30pm 

Aimed at all ages - chat, warm drinks and biscuits 

Malmesbury Abbey 

Heat and eat from 12pm to 2pm 

Aimed at all ages - chat, soup, bread, warm drinks. Playroom, but children must be supervised. 

Wednesday 

Malmesbury Town Hall 

Luncheon club from 12pm onwards 

Aimed at over 60s - two course hot dinner and warm drinks. Costs £3.50. Call 01666 822143 for details. 

Thursday 

Malmesbury Abbey 

Heat and eat from 12pm to 2pm 

Aimed at all ages - chat, soup, bread, warm drinks. Playroom, but children must be supervised.

United Reform Church 

Thermal Thursdays from 9am to 1.30pm

Aimed at all ages - chat, toast, soup, bread, warm drinks, puzzles. 

Friday 

The Kings Church 

Craft and games from 9.30am to 2.30pm

Aimed at all ages - chat, soup, bread, warm drinks, games and crafts. Family friendly with toys and baby changing facilities. 

Burnham Court 

Malmesbury seniors from 10am to 12pm 

Aimed at seniors - chat, warm drinks and biscuits 

Malmesbury library 

Rhyme time from 11am to 11.30am 

Aimed at babies and families - songs, rhymes and movement 

Family time from 11am to 12.30pm 

Aimed at babies, families - meet other parents/ carers, chat, warm drinks, biscuits, books and toys. 

Malmesbury Town Hall 

Rise trust youth drop in from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Old School Room 

Aimed at young people - drop in for a chat with or without friends and there’s hot chocolate 

Saturday 

Riverside Community Centre 

Saturday friends from 2pm to 4pm - aimed at seniors every first Saturday of the month. 

Chat, warm drinks, cake and activities. 

Community wardrobe 

Free donated, clean, warm clothing for adults and children on Tuesday morning from 9am to 11.30am at Riverside Community Centre.

To donate clothing, take it to Gloucester Road Co-op or the Town Hall. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Malmesbury resident Ruby Blaken who had the idea of creating a community wardrobe for the town Malmesbury resident Ruby Blaken who had the idea of creating a community wardrobe for the town (Image: Malmesbury Winter Support Programme)

Community fridge 

Free food is available from the Town Hall. 

This food is approaching its use by date and would otherwise go to landfill but is instead collected by daily volunteers from Aldi and the Co-op. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Opening the community fridge Cllr Gavin Grant, Sherry Tolsen, mayor Kim Power, Co-op manager Alan Spall and regional manager David JonesOpening the community fridge Cllr Gavin Grant, Sherry Tolsen, mayor Kim Power, Co-op manager Alan Spall and regional manager David Jones (Image: Malmesbury Winter Support Programme)

Malmesbury foodbank 

You can get foodbank vouchers from local agencies including: HEALS, Citizens Advice, schools, churches, housing support, health and social services. 

Food bank is open every Tuesday from 10am to 11.30am and Thursday 1pm to 2.30pm from the Town Hall. You can contact - info@malmesburydistrict.food.bank.org.uk 

So far organisations involved in the winter programme are: Malmesbury Abbey, Activity Zone, Co-Op, HEALS, Kings Church, Library, Malmesbury Town Council, Malmesbury and Villages Community Area Partnership, Riverside Community Centre, St. Aldhelm’s Church, United Reformed Church and the Wiltshire Council Area Board.