A popular community centre which runs a warm hub is to run special cookery classes to help people save money during the cost of living crisis.
CEO of The Hub in the Westhoughton Anna-Marie Watters says that the number of people struggling has been unprecedented following the rise in the cost of living.
The Hub has worked in collaboration with Bolton Council to create a 'warm space' for those in need of hot food and drinks, as well as offering a chance to meet people.
Now, Anna-Marie says she wants teach people to cook on a budget, as showing them how to use slow cookers, and air fryers.
She said: “There are just so many people struggling at the moment, with some people who are very proud don’t always like asking for help.
“We have people in every single day and the amount of people struggling has been unprecedented.
“The need is far greater than when Covid was going on.”
Funds are needed to buy fresh ingredients
Anna-Marie added: “When people go to food banks they might not always know what to do with the vegetables, and this is a cost effective way.
“Food should not be a luxury.
“If we show people how to use the ingredients, at least we know we are doing something right, with some then being able to go away with equipment.”
The Warm Hub partnership is expected to come to an end by the end of March.
And the money raised from the Crowdfunder that has been set up would also help to provide food, drinks, events, and activities
She added: “The need is still there because the price of everything is so expensive.
“The money would allow us to do so much more and to provide those extra things.
“With the warm space coming to an end at the end of March, what will happen after that?
“When you look at somebody that comes in and they know they can sit down and relax and not worry about how they will pay, that is what it is about for us, and we want to continue with this.”
The Warm Space offers a free hot drink and toast at 10am and lunch from 12-1pm, as well as offering a hit drink from 1-3pm.
To help the charity raise the needed funds click here. (www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/warm-hub-2?)
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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