"It is nice to have somewhere to go."

Those were the words of one of the first people to use a new warm space initiative at a Great Yarmouth theatre.

On Wednesday (December 7), the St George's Theatre café opened its doors for the first time as a Warm Hub to offer a place for people who are struggling with their fuel bills.

People were able to keep warm as they enjoyed soup, rolls or a sausage roll.

The cafe will be a Warm Hub from Wednesday to Friday every week until March.

Peter Whitwood, who came along to the first day of the theatre's Warm Hub, said: "I was so pleased when I saw the poster for the café as I am on my own and on universal credit, and it is hard to make the money stretch.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Peter Whitewood attended the first Warm Hub sessionPeter Whitewood attended the first Warm Hub session (Image: Debbie Thompson)

"It is nice to have somewhere to go to see people and have some food. I will come again tomorrow."

People can drop into the café to keep warm while enjoying food and refreshments every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 3.30pm and 6pm.

Fridays will also include pizza, with people being asked to pay what they can afford.

Debbie Thompson, theatre director, said: "We are ready to welcome families and people who are feeling pressure on their budgets to our Warm Hub. 

"We are offering food, drinks, company and, on Fridays, free pizza too."

The project has been made possible thanks to a £5,000 grant from Norfolk Community Foundation’s Love Norfolk fund.

Warm room hubs have been set up in communities across the borough of Great Yarmouth, including at the Minster every day between noon and 2pm.

They can also be found at a number of parish churches and St Mary Magdalen Church in Gorleston.

St Mary's Church in Southtown Road is open on Mondays from 10am to noon, and from 10.15am to noon on Wednesdays.

St Paul's Church in Salisbury Road is open on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm.

The Minster Mission in Admiralty Road is also open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 11.45am and 1.30pm.

St Mary Magdalen Church's warm room sessions are as follows:

  • Monday: 10am to noon
  • Tuesday: 11.30am to 2.30pm, with a free hot meal
  • Wednesday: 9am to noon
  • Friday: 10am to noon