This January, a Nottingham community group is taking a stand against the cold and loneliness often associated with the month by launching a special awareness campaign. Hope Hut in St Ann's is celebrating Warm Welcome Week from January 19 to January 25, an initiative designed to highlight the vital role of warm, welcoming community spaces.
Chasing Away the Cold with Colour and Community
The week kicks off on what is often dubbed 'Blue Monday', considered one of the most challenging days of the year. In a vibrant rebuttal, Hope Hut is encouraging locals to wear warm colours like pink, orange, red, and purple to 'chase the blues away' and draw attention to their free, safe hub. Their Warm Welcome Space acts as a lifeline for residents struggling with heating costs, isolation, or simply seeking connection.
Luke Goss, a founder of Hope Hut, emphasised the importance of the initiative: "We want more people to know about Warm Welcome Spaces like ours. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, make new friends, and have some fun. People coming to our space say they always leave with a smile on their face."
Activities and a Special Community Run
During Warm Welcome Week, the space on Gordon Road will be open on January 20, 21, and 22. The highlight is a "Chasing Hope Community Run/Walk" on Tuesday, January 20 at 7pm, featuring a 3km or 5km route around St Ann's, followed by hot soup and a roll. This event encapsulates the week's goal of fostering togetherness and activity.
Hope Hut's regular weekly schedule is bustling with activities for all ages, including:
- A community running group
- A youth group and music group
- A coffee morning for local parents
- Seasonal sports and warm hub sessions
A National Campaign for Local Belonging
The effort is part of the wider Warm Welcome campaign. David Barclay, the campaign director, stated: "We know demand for Warm Welcome Spaces will be high again this winter, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging."
He urged everyone to get involved in the awareness week, whether by wearing something colourful or participating in local events, to "create a surge of warmth and positivity in the coldest week of the coldest month." Hope Hut is located next to Bluebell Hill Primary School in St Ann's, Nottingham, and more information can be found at hopehut.co.uk or via their social media @hopehutuk.
