Date: 09 December 2022
At least eighteen churches across the diocese are opening their doors as ‘warm hubs’ this winter.
The toxic combination of soaring energy costs, food bills and inflation means that many families are facing a bleak winter.
But as the first real taste of winter kicks in, the good news is that community spaces across the diocese are opening their doors as places to come to get out of the cold, enjoy some conversation and refreshments.
One of the ‘warm hubs’ is St Francis of Assisi church, Ruxley Lane, Ewell. Every Thursday between 11.30 and 2.30 it is welcoming anyone to come inside and enjoy the church’s cafe. A warm welcome is guaranteed.
“Come and keep warm, enjoy some free refreshments or lunchtime soup and roll,” is the invitation from the Revd Fiona Ellingham, Priest in Charge at Ruxley. Speaking on BBC Radio Surrey she offered the hub as a place where people could, “engage with others or be on your own, read a book or do some work. It’s an extension of their home,” she said.
The warm hub opened last week and Fiona expects to be busy. “The church and local community are engaged with the local schools, the food bank and council,” she says and so far the feedback has been, “phenomenal”.
“People really are struggling,” says Fiona. “They have shared with us that they are very concerned about paying the heating bills and the soaring price of food. We believe that Ruxley church was built to be a resource for the whole community, where they can be accepted, met and welcomed.”
If your church can join the warm hubs scheme contact Victoria who will put you in touch with your Surrey County Council Link Worker.