A Salford community centre has been praised for taking part in an initiative to combat loneliness and help people stay out of the cold this winter.
Langworthy Cornerstone on Liverpool Street has been designated a ‘warm space’ by Salford City Council. It is one of more than 300 community hubs across Greater Manchester offering a sanctuary from the cold for those struggling during the winter months.
Salfordian David Shaw is a regular attendee at Langworthy Cornerstone and said that the community centre has helped him to feel less isolated.
He said: “I have lived on my own since my wife died and it’s a place to meet people.
“The staff are all quite pleasant and friendly and it’s nice to come and socialise.
“It’s a nice and warm space to get out.”
“I play curling here on Monday and Wednesday and it’s a good, friendly atmosphere for people to socialise and meet people who may be lonely.”
The spaces provide free hot drinks, food and Wi-Fi in a heated space where people can relax and socialise. Kit Rolla-Baxter, one of the helpers in the kitchen at Langworthy Cornerstone, said the community centre gives her a sense of belonging.
She said: “In the past, I was in a position where I would feel like I had done nothing with my day. Langworthy Cornerstone has been a lifesaver as it has allowed me to meet friends; it is a haven.
Kit explained how regular attendees at the cornerstone benefit from the space: “So, when they go back home, they don’t have that complete emptiness – they have had a social time, and it is so satisfying seeing that.
“It’s just basically looking after each other, really.”
Community support can be vital for those facing difficult times over the colder months and last year, around 925,000 people visited the network of libraries in Manchester, between November and February.
Across the UK, there are now over 5758 registered warm welcome spaces opening their doors and bringing people in out of the cold. Bev Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langworthy Cornerstone, outlined the importance of these pillars in the community.
Bev said: “We have lots of people come in on a daily basis and they’re a part of this community, they’re a part of this family, they’re a part of Langworthy Cornerstone and we welcome them on a daily basis into our warm hub.
“We’re all experiencing the cost-of-living crisis and some experience it more than others”
“People come here because they know we’re here. We don’t go anywhere”
Places like Langworthy Cornerstone offer those who may be feeling lonely or worried a space to open up and meet new people. Allowing them to talk about what’s on their mind and find out about local groups and events which can support them.
With over 57% of the British Public now thinking the Cost-of-living crisis will never end, according to Common’s study on public opinion, it’s vital that moving forward, communities have more schemes like this one to support one another.
More information about Langworthy Cornerstone is availible here.
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