A Glasgow charity is launching a "warm room" to support locals who are struggling to heat their homes amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Barmulloch Community Development Company (BCDC) is running the Warm Welcome Room from Monday, in response to recent energy price hikes.
Anyone during opening times will be able to go into the hub and take a seat in the room specifically organised for this purpose.
READ MORE: Meet the Glasgow volunteers knitting blankets for people who struggle to heat their homes
Brian Land, development manager at the organisation, said: “We have actually converted our computer suite, by moving some of the machines and making a living room with chairs, dining table, comfortable seats, blankets. We also have a box of scarves that were donated to us that people can help themselves to.
“We have a TV on the wall, and access to biscuits, tea, hot chocolate and coffee as well."
Unofficially, the service has been running for a few days and the response has been overwhelming.
Guests from a variety of backgrounds are seeking out the room.
He added: “We have working parents coming in. The Warm Welcoming Room has already been used by parents who are taking their kids to classes and rather than go home, they are using us to stay here.
“It saves them driving and using fuel but it also saves them heating up their homes because they can come here for an hour or two, sit here, with access to TV, computers and newspapers."
To further equip the room for use, staff are also encouraging people to knit squares and bring them in, to then be sewn together to create homemade blankets.
Volunteers and workers are only looking for 50 stiches-wide pieces, which either made at home or while spending time at the centre.
Wool and needles are available to use and staff welcome any contributions, including donated materials.
The completed throws will be available at the hub, at 54 Quarrywood Road, Glasgow, and visitors can also take them home.
READ MORE: Here's how Glasgow organisation The Pyramid is pioneering food shopping
The 35-year-old added: “We want to extend the warmth of the room so that people can take the blankets with them and not leave the warm room and go back to the cold.
“This is the first time there has ever been a 'warm room' at our organisation and the reason for that is obviously the energy crisis."
BCDC is also running multiple other projects to support the community, including a uniform bank, food bank and clothing donations.
As the effects of the cost-of-living crisis take hold on people and the demand increases, the organisation is also planning further action to alleviate any financial pressures.
Mr Land said: “In partnership with another couple of organisations, we are also hoping that we will be able to hand out soup as well, and other types of food.
“There have been more people asking for support and changes to the demographic in who these people are.
“We are starting to get workers feeling the pinch as well, not just people who have historically been on benefits."
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel