A new weekly warm space is opening at Port Sunlight’s Church Hall to help local communities in Wirral keep warm and connected this winter.

Run in partnership with Port Sunlight Village Trust and the village’s Christ Church, the warm space will open every Tuesday, 9am–12pm, from 17 January. Everyone is welcome to join and take part in activities, enjoy free hot drinks and toast, and access information from local support services.

Claire Bates, community engagement officer at Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: “With rising energy and household costs, it’s important people in our local communities have somewhere nearby to relax, feel supported and stay warm. The warm space will be open every Tuesday for people to use as they wish, whether you want to make new friends and take part in activities or simply read a book and enjoy a hot drink.

“Port Sunlight’s warm space is open to all, you don’t need to be a Port Sunlight resident to attend. It’s completely free and there’s no need to book. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

Paul Harris, chief executive at Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Port Sunlight’s Christ Church and the United Reformed Church to provide this weekly warm space for our local communities. We’re glad the Church Hall continues to be a safe place for people in the area to come together and we hope this important initiative will be able to help those who need support during these colder months.”

Rev Ian Smith, the Minister of Christ Church, said: As people worry about the rising cost of keeping their homes warm, and think twice before putting their heating on, offering a free and friendly Warm Space is something practical we can do to help.”

Church Hall is located on Bridge Street (CH62 4UP), opposite the bowling green. The building is wheelchair accessible, however an accessible toilet is located off-site across the road at SoapWorks. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

For more information, email [email protected] or call Port Sunlight Village Trust’s main office on 0151 644 4800.

Port Sunlight Warm Space is part of a local initiative with other churches in the area to provide warm spaces across the week. These include: Wednesdays, 1.30–4.30pm, at Lower Bebington Methodist Church, CH63 7RA; Thursdays, 9am–12pm, at St Andrews in Bebington, CH63 3EX; and Fridays, 10am–11.30am at St Mark’s Hall in New Ferry, CH62 1DG.