Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC) has set up a series of warm spaces in partnership with Clarion Futures.

The warm space will be available to Bolton residents at Sutton Community Centre and will be in place for the next 12 weeks.

Attendees can enjoy free refreshments – including hot drinks and snacks – activities such as board games, and the opportunity to socialise with other members of the community and staff in warm, friendly environment as part of the Charity’s "community hub" offer.

All of this is free of charge and funded by Clarion Futures – the charitable arm of the UK’s largest housing association, Clarion Housing Group.

The hub is running weekly on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 1pm and Wednesdays from 3pm until 7.30pm, starting the week commencing January 9 and running up until the end of March.

The Bolton News: Warm space set up by Bolton Wanderers in the CommunityWarm space set up by Bolton Wanderers in the Community (Image: BWitC)

Richard Slater, BWitC impact manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our Community Hub at Sutton Centre to the residents over the coming winter months.

“This is one of several projects we are offering to hopefully help members of our community who are concerned about rising living costs.

"It is an opportunity for people to switch off their heating for a few hours, and socialise together in a warm, friendly, relaxed environment.

“We would like to thank Clarion Futures for partnering with us on this project and for funding the Community Hub offer.”

Who are the sessions open to?

  • Tuesday 10.30am-1pm – adults aged 55 and over
  • Wednesday 3pm-5.30pm – afterschool club for parents and children up to 11 years old.
  • Wednesday 5pm-6.30pm – youth club - 8–12-year-olds
  • Wednesday 6.30pm-7.30pm - youth dance session – eight–17-year-olds

Sutton community Centre can be found on Addington Road, BL3 4QZ.

The Bolton News: Warm space set up by Bolton Wanderers in the CommunityWarm space set up by Bolton Wanderers in the Community (Image: BWitC)

Matt Parsonage, head of communities at Clarion Futures, said: “With the cost of living crisis hitting the nation hard, projects like this one being delivered by Bolton Wanderers in the Community are so important.

“Opening the doors to the community centre and running these sessions will not only help people to keep warm but will also provide opportunities to meet new people and reduce loneliness and isolation.

“We’re delighted to be supporting this warm space initiative and look forward to continuing our work together within the community.”

The community hub is operating as a drop-in session, therefore booking is not required. However, for any enquiries please email enquiries@bwitc.org.uk.