Oxford warm spaces encouraging older people to come in

Hill Community Centre manager Lorraine Squire said: "We want to encourage the senior members of the community to come in"

A community centre is welcoming older and more senior members of the community to their warm space.

Hill Community Centre, in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is trying to make winter a little easier for people who might be a little isolated, or worry about heating their own home because of their energy bills.

Warm spaces give people a chance to stay warm for free and socialise.

Manager Lorraine Squire said: "It's all about making people feel comfortable."

Warm spaces can include libraries, churches and community centres.

Ms Squire explained they have been working hard to reach the older and more senior members of the community - they have an over 50s and friends club every Tuesday and a special warm space group just to "encourage senior members of the community to come in".

June Butler said: "We come here every week we like the bingo, where else is there to go for old people? There's not.

"We can be in the flat all day and not see a person and you come here and everybody is here."

Debbie Castle said: "It's a very special place because we all get together and we met here and it helps me to cope. If I didn't have this place I would have just stayed at home and done nothing."

Another regular visitor, Chris said: "I enjoy coming here to meet people, to have a friendly chat and banter with them. We have a good laugh, a nice chat together, and it's a great atmosphere."