Nearly 50 places are opening their doors this winter to offer people a warm welcome. Churches, community centres and libraries are among a list of buildings who will offer somewhere warm for people to come this winter. There's a range of locations where free food will be available, as well as activities for children and other facilities such as working spaces, WiFi, and food bank services. Essex County Council recently announced all of their libraries will offer extra opportunities to support all residents this winter regardless of their age. These will include clubs and activities, advice sessions, arts and crafts and a homework club.
There are a number of Warm Hubs in Castle Point
Canvey
St Nicholas Church- Coffee Bar, Prayer, Reading, Reflection Services starting at 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Winter Gardens Baptist Church- Open Monday mornings for families and in the afternoons, open for all until 5pm.
Canvey Methodist Church- Open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for all between 10.30am - 12 noon.
Waterside Leisure Centre (Castle Point Leisure)
Open Café area selling hot drinks and snacks, toilets, car parking, fully accessible
Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday - 6.00am -10.00pm
Friday - 6.00am - 8.00pm
Saturday - 8.00am - 5.45pm
Sunday - 8:00am - 8:00pm
Please check their website for Christmas and Bank Holiday opening times
https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/opening-hours
Benfleet
Benfleet Methodist Church SS7 1LH
Warm space, tea and coffee plus a hot meal will be serviced. Mini Food Bank will be open. No charges, donations gratefully accepted. Crafts, puzzles, reading material provided. Facebook BMC Warm Space. Open Tuesdays until 1pm, Wednesdays until 2pm, Fridays until 3pm
Thundersley Methodist Church, Benfleet SS7 4BS
Every Weds from 9am to 12 noon (term time only) and on the second Saturday in the month 10am to 12 noon. Refreshments available. All welcome.
St. George’s Church Hall Hospitality Hub Every Wednesday 8.45am-12pm. Drinks and snacks.
Hadleigh
Hadleigh Park, The Hub Café
Registered as a Warm Welcome space, to provide a free, warm, welcoming and safe place for people to go this Winter.
Hadleigh Library, SS7 3PD Every Monday - Next event 9 January 2023 2.30pm to 4.30pm
This Afternoon tea aims to help you feel more connected to your local community and meet others in the safe and pleasant environment of your local library. Meet others and enjoy a chat and a cup of coffee or tea. https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/events/hadleigh-library-events/afternoon-chat-and-tea-hadleigh-library/
Thundersley
Top of the Hill Group- Fortnightly games afternoon which encourages neighbours to get together especially during the winter months when it is easy to feel even more isolated indoors. Every other Wednesday 2.30-4.30pm at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Thundersley.
Cards, scrabble and anything else that is brought along, such as a not too serious Quiz can be included in the fun and played. A friendly environment to chat and have a ‘cuppa’ with the neighbours. Small contribution to the cost of the hall is gratefully accepted.
Thundersley Congregational Church- Warm Welcome Coffee Morning, Thursdays 11am – 1.30pm
Friendly welcome served with tea, coffee and cake. Soup and roll also available. Enter at the Rear car park. https://www.facebook.com/Thundersleycongregational
Rayleigh
Community Days Every Tuesday 9.30am - 3.30pm Free tea/Coffee/Soup Call 01268 779999
Email [email protected] ask for Laura or Julie
Southend
The council has made available the following buildings as Heat Hubs :
- Southend Library and Focal Point Gallery at The Forum
- Westcliff Library
- Leigh Library
- Kent Elms Library
- Southchurch Library
- Shoeburyness Library
- Central Museum
- Beecroft Art Gallery
- Prittlewell Priory
- Prittlewell Priory visitor centre
- Southchurch Hall
- Civic Centre
- Southend Adult Community College
Essex County Council Libraries https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/events/ are offering warm hubs. This link can be checked for more information.
