A 'Mobile Warm Hub' which has been "bringing people back together" during its weekly visits to Kenilworth.

The Mobile Warm Hub, or 'Chattybus' is a modified minibus bring isolated people together through temporary coffee mornings.

After the last 18 months of lockdown and social distancing, the warm hubs are a way of giving vulnerable people the confidence to join together in person once again.

Run by charities Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) and VASA, the project is sponsored by gas distribution network Cadent Gas.

The Mobile Warm Hub currently visits Beauchamp Road in Kenilworth on Friday mornings between 10am and 12pm, with volunteers providing local residents with free tea, coffee and biscuits as well as some company.

It will continue to do so until the end of October.

The mobile hub works in cooperation with local groups; Compassionate Kenilworth has helped to coordinate and advertise the Chatttybus locally, as well as to support with volunteers.

The Chattybus, which was first used in May 2021, has been an instant success according to the organisers.

Projects co-ordinator at WRCC Jackie Holcroft said to Nub News: "People have been very positive about it. They have told us how valuable the facility is to them and how much they enjoy coming for a coffee and the chance to meet new people in a safe space.

"It has given people a reason to get out of the house again and even been called a light at the end of the tunnel, after so many months of loneliness.

"We see regular faces all the time, and it is great to have seen people become more relaxed week on week."

Jackie also explained that the warm hubs give visitors access to free impartial advice and practical tips on how to keep safe and warm at home, be more energy efficient and save money on household bills.

Representatives from other community groups and organisations have attended various sessions to give out free, impartial advice to those that need it.

The bus also carries a number of information leaflets and free carbon monoxide alarms are also available.

As well as visiting Kenilworth every Friday, the Mobile Warm Hub also visits a range of other communities including Bramcote, Meriden and many more.

The Mobile Warm Hub's visits to Bidford were so successful that the parish council took over the event by setting up a permanent indoor Warm Hub coffee morning in the local hall which is supported by WRCC.

WRCC and Compassionate Kenilworth are hoping to set up something similar in Kenilworth.

Whilst the mobile hub cannot travel to the same spots each week, Jackie said that the end goal is to work with local community groups to create long term plans to support local vulnerable residents.

Whilst each community's needs are different, Jackie said WRCC is keen to work with local community groups to help them create long term plans for social activities in village halls and community centres.

"We're encouraging communities to set up and run Warm Hubs, which are basically inclusive, affordable activities, which are accessible and hosted in warm safe spaces," she said.

"It is about getting people back out after they have become increasingly isolated and increasingly lonely, the effects of which we know all about.

"People are looking to get out, to talk to people and that is where the Warm Hubs principle comes from."

This Friday (October 1) the Mobile Warm Hub on Beauchamp Road will host a special energy themed event with environmental charity Act on Energy and Cadent attending to answer people's questions.

Professional magician Angus Baskerville, who comes from Kenilworth, will also be entertaining local residents for free.

For more information, follow this link to the WRCC Facebook page, or click here to visit the website.

For more local events, follow this link to our What's On page!