Over 40 Kenilworth residents and volunteers came together last week for the official launch of the town's new Community Warm Hub at St Francis of Assisi's Church.

Free scones, cakes and homemade sausage rolls were all on the menu, with locals delighted the previous Winter hub has now become a permanent year round social event.

Regular attendee Pat was one of those celebrating.

"I like the friendliness and enjoy the company as I can get lonely at home," she said. "It's good for mental health, which is really important."

Thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Kenilworth's St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), the Warm Hub will continue to offer free refreshments, crafts, board games and books for all ages - as well as visits from a wide range of community services and other organisations.

Previous visitors have included social prescribers, community police, fire and rescue services, Cadent Gas (which supports the Warm Hubs project) and the British Motor Museum.

People will also still be able to get information on energy saving tips, home safety and access to other help they may need with the costs of living.

Keen crafters at Kenilworth's Community Warm Hub (image via WRCC)

As Sheila MacMahon from SVP Kenilworth pointed out, it's very much a group effort.

"We're grateful for all our supporters' help: for the ongoing support and advice from WRCC's Warm Hubs team and Compassionate Kenilworth's volunteers; for Fr. Kevin Hooper and the parish for providing this lovely venue free of charge; and for a generous cost of living grant from Warwick District Council," she said.

"Not forgetting the tasty bacon sandwiches and sausage rolls served up by our chef, Alistair Lewis! It's fantastic to see the difference we can make when everyone comes together to help like this."

"Congratulations to all the Kenilworth SVP team on the launch of their Community Warm Hub!" added Jackie Holcroft, WRCC Warm Hubs Manager.

"Hubs like these have an important part to play all year round – people need safe, inclusive 'happy places' where they know they'll be warmly welcomed and feel part of a community. We're delighted to welcome Kenilworth to our growing network of Warm Hubs across Warwickshire and Solihull."

Ali Lewis and Pauline Haywood sampling the sausage rolls! (image via WRCC)

"We're thrilled to have helped support Kenilworth's new Warm Hub," said Pauline Hayward from Compassionate Kenilworth.

"Bringing people together in a lovely, friendly place like this builds community spirit and connections. And after all, having a good chat over a cup of coffee and making time to relax with friends is so important for all of us!"

Kenilworth's Community Warm Hub runs every Tuesday from 10.00 am – 12.00 noon at St Francis of Assisi Church, 110 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HL. For more information, please email [email protected]

For more information about WRCC's Warm Hubs project, click here.

To find out about other hubs and community activities in Kenilworth, please visit the Compassionate Kenilworth website.