Community support projects up and thriving for winter.

Friday, 17 November 2023 10:43

Stamford Free Church is hosting one of the country's many Warm Spaces this winter. Credit: Stamford Free Church

Several community support projects, aimed at individuals and families in need of food and warmth, have begun their winter operations throughout the region.

Rutland’s Community Fridge project has announced that it’s saved over 25 tonnes of food from landfill since it began three years ago. Volunteers collect food from Market Harborough and Rutland to provide the service at Oakham Railway Station on Friday mornings from 10am, and Uppingham Town Hall at Friday lunchtimes from 1.30pm. There’s also weekly 'Souperspace', offering a free bowl of soup, made mainly from surplus food, to anyone who wants one at Uppingham Town Hall from 1pm through the colder months.

The project is already underway but today it has taken a week off in order to get some much needed maintenance carried out on its kitchen, so they are doing freshly squeezed orange juice instead.

Meanwhile, Stamford’s new Warm Space welcomed families with young children last night and individuals who are struggling to pay their bills, providing a free evening meal, craft activities and support at Stamford Free Church. The charity Mindspace is behind the endeavour, securing funding for Thursday evening drop in, in conjunction with Art Pop Up and George’s Food Hub. It will run every Thursday through until next March.

For more information on Warm Spaces, please click here:

Warm Welcome Campaign