Lockerbie’s first ‘warm space’ event will take place on Saturday morning in the town hall.
There will be free hot drinks provided by Tesco, as well as advice and support from different organisations. People will be able to talk about eating on a budget, staying warm, relaxation methods, mending clothing, etc.
The sessions will then run monthly, on November 12, December 24, January 28, February 25 and March 25 and are open to all.
Meanwhile, residents in Moniaive are planning to open up a community ‘warm space’ where people who cannot afford sky high heating costs can go during the day.
The Paterson Rooms, a cottage owned by the Church of Scotland, is set to open its doors and provide hot water bottles and blankets, while tea/coffee and soup are to be served up.
The project is being spearheaded by Glencairn Community Council, but also has support from St Ninian’s Church, and the Compassionate Neighbours and Evergreens groups in Moniaive.
Sue Grant, secretary of Glencairn Community Council, said: “Between us all we should get this off the ground. We’ve applied for a grant and are hoping to get started mid-November.
“The community council members are very aware that people in the village will be struggling this year.
“It would be hard for us to target individuals for support because it could be unfair if we miss out people.
“So, we feel that this community warm space is the way forward.”
She added: “We’re trying to push it as a social space rather than charity. The idea is that you can go in, read, play games, knit, have a chat – and obviously keep warm.”
The community council has been working on these plans since September and is hopeful of gaining a health and wellbeing grant of £2400 which will pay for rent of the building and oil tank heating.
