COMMUNITY groups in Helensburgh have stepped up to support people who need a warm space this winter.

A network of community centres, churches and public spaces in the town have helped launch a new initiative that will see them open their doors to offer residents a warm and welcoming space during the colder months.

The Winter Welcome Spaces campaign, supported by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, invites everyone in the community to join in at any of the participating venues.

Takki Sulaiman, chief executive of the TSI, said: “We believe that everyone deserves a warm space to feel safe and welcomed, especially during the cold winter months.

“Winter Welcome Spaces are about more than just a hot drink; they’re about building connections and supporting one another in our community.

"This initiative comes at a time when many elderly residents are facing increased challenges due to the recent cut to the UK’s Winter Fuel Payment.

"Previously, this payment provided financial assistance to all pensioners to help cover heating costs during the colder months.

"However, recent policy changes have restricted eligibility to those on means-tested benefits, significantly reducing the number of recipients.

"This shift means that many pensioners, particularly those just above the benefits threshold, may face financial hardship and increased difficulty in keeping their homes warm."

Warm spaces in Helensburgh 

Monday

  • 10am - Fun First (age 0-5) at Helensburgh Library [the library is closed on Mondays]

  • 9.45am - Rosneath St Modan’s Church Hall

  • 10am-12.30pm - 3 Villages Community Hall in Arrochar

  • 10am-2pm - Cardross Church Halls

  • 2pm-5pm - Book Nook at Helensburgh Community Hub

Tuesday

  • 9.30am-4.30pm - Helensburgh Library

  • 10.30-12pm - The Bridge at Helensburgh Parish Church

  • 10am-2pm - Book Nook, Helensburgh Community Hub

  • 10.30am - Grey Matters (over 60s), 61 West Princes Street

  • 1.30pm - Fun First (0-5) at Cardross Library (library will be open from 1.30-7pm for others)

  • 1.30-3pm - Bethesda Centre

  • 2-4pm -  Knit and natter at Rhu and Shandon Church (no requirement to knit)

  • 6-9pm - Drumfork Community Centre

Wednesday

  • 9.30am-4.30pm - Helensburgh Library

  • 10am - Fun First (0-5) at Gibson Hall in Garelochhead

  • 10am-4pm - Book Nook, Helensburgh Community Hub

  • 1-2.30pm - Arrochar Parish Church

  • 6-9pm - Drumfork Community Centre

  • Every fortnight - Fun First Friends at Drumfork Community Centre 

Thursday

  • 9.30am-4.30pm - Helensburgh Library

  • 10am - Fun First Fitness and Fun, Victoria Halls

  • 10.30am-4.30pm - Cardross Library

  • 10.15-11.15am - Conversation Cafe with LiveArgyll in Helensburgh Library

  • 10.30-12pm - The Bridge at Helensburgh Parish Church

  • 11am-1pm - Community Cafe at Centre81 in Garelochhead

  • 2-4pm - Garelochhead Senior Citizens at Gibson Hall (November 7 and 21, January 16, February 6 and 20, March 6 and 20)

Friday

  • 9.30am-1pm - Helensburgh Library

  • 9.45am - Fun First, Helensburgh Community Hub

  • 11.30am-1.30pm - Cafe n’ Play for young children and their parents/guardians at Centre81 in Garelochhead

  • Evenings time tbc - Grey Matters

  • 1pm-3.30pm - Helensburgh Baptist Church

Saturday

  • 10am-1pm - Book Nook, Helensburgh Community Hub

Home Start Lomond have various activities throughout the day at their family hub, but someone will be in the office from 9am-2.30pm during the weekdays for those who need it.

Winter Welcome Spaces provides free access to a comfortable setting where individuals can relax, enjoy hot drinks, and engage in conversation.

This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of rising costs and reduced financial support, offering a place for warmth, connection, and community.

For more information, visit the Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface website or ask at participating locations.