Another warm space

EASTVILLE'S first welcoming space has opened to give somewhere for people to get away from the cold.

Bristol has been building a network of places where people can keep warm, socialise with others and access support for cost-of-living problems over the winter.

More than 90 have been set up in venues including libraries, community centres, churches and mosques.

But until now none had been set up in Eastville.

The Friends of Eastville Park have announced the opening of a "warm and welcome space" at the Nissen Hut on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, after being given funding from the Quartet Community Foundation to run the project until May.

A spokesperson for the group said: "The Friends of Eastville Park have worked really hard to transform the Nissen Hut from a derelict and draughty old shed into the warm and clean space that it is today. It is a truly welcoming space which has the added benefit of being right in beautiful Eastville Park, out of the hustle and bustle of city living. We will have the heating on whilst it is still cold, and as the winter eases it’s grip we will see where the project leads.

"Local residents and participants are invited to let us know what you would like to see. We will also be providing free phone charging and a hot soup for those that would like to stay for lunch."

Anyone is welcome to come along for free refreshments and activities, including talks on money and energy saving, crafts, gardening, puzzles, books and games.

People are also welcome to simply come along for a quiet place to sit.

The hut has wheelchair access and an accessible toilet.

The friends are looking for a donation of a working laptop and a lightweight rectangular coffee table for the space.

For more information email Eastvillewelcomespace@gmail.com.