Warm space opens for hot meals and support
A warm space has opened at a community centre in Gloucester where people can get hot meals and support during the current cold weather.
The warm space is running twice a week at the Phoenix Community centre in the Matson area until the end of March.
Meals are being served twice a day and people are being asked to pay what they can.
Visitors can also access services like debt advice.
Amanda Bartlett, who runs the warm space, said they provide a safe environment so people can "come for the day, have tea and coffee and a hot meal".
"I always make sure we have fresh and home-cooked food," she said.
The venue is not just a place for people to socialise, she added.
"We also have debt advice and a computer IT suite which people can access."
The Phoenix centre is run by charity GL Communities, which also runs a programme to help people considered as economically inactive back into work, specialising in veterans and carers.
Veteran Roy Smith said he has taken part in courses at the centre to "get back on my feet" and now works there.
"I come here near enough five times a week. I love it here. It's like a safe place for me," he said.
"I got involved in warm space as it was a really good idea. Some people are struggling at the moment - times are hard."
Mr Smith has also been encouraging others in the community to use the centre.
He said: "I've gone out and spoken to a lot of people and telling them to come and have a takeaway. It's also a place where they can come and get debt management advice, do a course or some cooking classes.
"It's an amazing place to be and it's amazing what they're doing here."
The centre is open between 09.30 and 16.30 GMT, with food served at 12 and 15.30 GMT on a Monday and Thursday.
Staff also offer advice on digital inclusion, food bank vouchers and education and training support.
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