Latest News

Flintshire Cabinet confirms the introduction of “warm welcome” centres

Published: 27/09/2022

Following a meeting of the Cabinet on Monday 26 September, Flintshire’s Cabinet members voted unanimously to introduce “warm welcome” centres to ease the worry for people struggling with costs, food poverty and isolation.

The proposal will see the 22 community centres in the Council’s sheltered housing schemes as well as the community hubs in Shotton and Holywell and the community centre in the Holway become warm hubs over the winter months.  The Council wants to work with other organisations and centres to ensure as wide a coverage as possible.

The centres will have a fridge, microwave and Well-Fed meals, giving the residents the opportunity to eat together or take their meal home with them.

Flintshire’s Leader, Councillor Ian Roberts, said:

“Although it’s incredible that in this day and age we are having to consider opening warm welcome centres, the fact is that with the current cost of living crisis, they have become a necessity.  Flintshire takes its responsibilities extremely seriously and we will continue to support our most vulnerable residents during these unprecedented times.

“The centres are an extension of work which took hold during the pandemic and which has continued since with the introduction of support hubs in Shotton and Holywell – recently recognised by another local authority as a great example of how to support and advise residents.”

Councillor Paul Johnson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Social Inclusion, said:

“It’s quite unbelievable that in the 21st Century we are having to take action to keep our citizens warm, the energy crisis is already having an impact on people in our communities and the situation out there is Flintshire is likely to get worse for those who are already struggling to make ends meet – for many of our residents, disposable income is an aspiration!

“I applaud this initiative and look forward to working closely with existing community organisations to increase the reach of this activity so that all areas of the County are adequately covered.”