A community centre saw a 65 per cent increase in people attending its sessions last winter.
Hexham Community Centre has said that more than 2,000 people attended its Warm Welcome sessions in 2023/2024, which provide meaningful activities and a meal for those at risk of food and fuel poverty.
The centre expects even more people to attend the sessions this year, as the cost of living crisis, rising energy prices, and reduced heating allowances continue to impact those on fixed incomes.
The Warm Welcome sessions are open to everyone, with a suggested donation, meaning those most in need can access the sessions free of charge.
A full programme of activities is available on the community centre's website, but highlights include the return of the Tuesday Tea group, providing a buffet tea with intergenerational conversation with members of Hexham Youthy, a social carpet bowls group on a Friday with a bowl of homemade soup at half time, and lunch clubs on Wednesday and Sunday.
The centre will also be serving Christmas lunch on Christmas Day for around 40 people who would otherwise be alone.
For families, the popular games room will return Monday to Thursday during the October half term, providing a place to make crafts, play games, and get a warm meal during the school holidays.
After the October half term, the after-school stay and plays will start on Monday, November 4, with games on Mondays, art and crafts on Wednesdays, and LEGO on Thursdays.
Centre manager Jill Goodfellow said: "We aim to make all of our activity as accessible as possible.
"Making it free to access for those who need it to be is vital.
"We have received crucial funding support from Community Foundation Tyne and Wear, along with our core funders Hexham Town Council and the Sir James Knott Trust, but we are in need of around £5,000 to be able to extend our activity to meet demand during the winter months."
The centre has set up an online fundraising campaign to help raise the extra funds needed.
All donations are gratefully received via the centre’s Donorbox Warm Welcome campaign.
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