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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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