A Ledbury church will provide a warm space for those struggling to heat their homes this winter - as its minister says he can’t bear the thought of people sitting “cold, lonely and hungry”.
Ledbury Methodist Church, in Bye Street, will be open between 9am and 6pm on Mondays.
The methodist churches in Bromyard and Hereford will also be opening their doors and providing a warm welcome to whoever needs it.
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Bromyard Methodist Church will open 9.30am to 3pm Wednesdays and St John’s in Hereford will open 9.30am to 3pm Saturdays.
“We will review regularly the open times versus the demand and adjust accordingly,” said Rev Phil Warrey, superintendent minister across all three churches.
“We will keep our refreshments and food provision very simple - tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk squash, toast, beans on toast, soup. We will not be charging anything, and everyone is welcome.
A warm space, free food and wifi in Ledbury
“Why are we doing this? Because we can’t bear the thought of people sitting cold, lonely, and hungry in their homes, and we are called to show our love and care.
“Jesus told a number of stories to remind us who to love, and who are our neighbours, we want to be good neighbours, and simply show love, no preaching, no expectations, just come for warmth and welcome.”
As well as a physically warm space in which to sit, the church will offer free refreshments, wifi, a place to charge mobile phones and the use of a computer. As a Talk Community Hub, volunteers can help signpost visitors to support groups and services available in Herefordshire.
READ MORE: Mayor of Ledbury calls on government to support people in need
Rev Warrey said Ledbury Methodist Church is working with Ledbury Town Council, LEAF Ledbury, Ledbury Food Bank and Talk Community Hubs to ensure people have a safe, warm place to go every day of the week.
Citizens Advice is also available via the foodbank, while LEAF offers chaplaincy and counselling services.
We’ll update this page with full opening hours of warm spaces locations when we have them.
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