The
cost-of-living crisis is affecting people from all walks of life this winter
and many are looking for new ways to reduce their energy consumption and reduce
their bills.
Alton Town Council has liaised with a number of local community groups, churches and venues to compile a database of Welcoming Warm Hubs and free to attend activities around the town where everyone is offered a home from home welcome - a warm place to spend time, meet with friends or make new ones, sit and relax reading a good book or join in an activity with likeminded people.
Alton Library offers a warm welcome to all members of the local community. It is located on Vicarage Hill, Alton, GU34 1HT and open Monday 9.30am - 1.30pm and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm. Inside you will find a warm and vibrant space to read, work, relax and socialise. There are more activities on offer other than just books to read; you can also find free to use Wi-Fi and public computers, printing and photocopying (for a small charge), national newspapers and magazines, boardgames and jigsaw puzzles. You are very welcome to bring along your own cold food and drinks. For more information visit www.hants.gov.uk/library or telephone 0300 555 1387
Alton Community Centre has a Welcoming Warm Hub, located on Amery Street, Alton, GU34 1HN and open Monday - Friday 10.00am - 2.00pm and Saturday 10.00am - 12.30pm. There is no need to book, everyone is welcome just pop in whether you are on your own, with friends or family and enjoy our dedicated warm hub space in the Community Centre this winter. There are comfy chairs, free Wi-Fi, you can charge your mobile phone or laptop, there activities like board games and books available and complimentary refreshments. For more information visit www.altoncomcen.org.uk or telephone 01420 85057.
The Council has also compiled a ‘What’s on Guide’ of free to attend groups in Alton with something on almost every day including coffee mornings, baby and toddler groups, family Lego construction club, boardgames afternoons, the Community Share, knit and natter group, Memory Lane Music Café, and the King’s Arms teenage afterschool club.
Please visit the Community Resource Hub on this website, where you will find links of where to go for help with cost of living and money worries.
You can also pop into the Energy Advice Café in the Market Square to have a chat and get tips on how to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Open Mondays 10am-12pm, Tuesdays 6.30pm-7.30pm, Wednesdays 12.30pm-2.00pm, Fridays 10am-12pm, Saturdays 10.30am-12pm. If you would like to arrange an appointment outside of these hours please email finance@alton.gov.uk.