Local residents are being warmly invited to enjoy a welcoming space at Blythe House Hospice in Chapel-en-en-le-Frith during the colder months. 

The hospice charity has received a £700 grant from Derbyshire County Council to host events throughout January to March for local people feeling lonely, or struggling to heat their home in the winter. 

The Derbyshire County Council website explained: ‘[The grant funding] follows the success of a scheme last year which helped to fund more than 150 spaces supporting Derbyshire residents during the colder months. Between them, they provided 17,000 hours of warmth and company for almost 11,000 Derbyshire residents.’ 

Julie Forrest, volunteer manager at Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, said: ‘After the success of our warm space last year, we are really pleased to be able to welcome local people again throughout the winter to join us for a hot drink, the chance to meet new people, play some board games, and to pick up information and advice. It is totally free and everyone is welcome so please come along and make use of our facilities.’ 

Staff and volunteers at the hospice will be hosting a warm space from 9am to 4pm on Fridays between: 

• 12th – 26th January

• 9th – 23rd February

• 8th – 29th March

The first Friday of every month (5th January, 2nd February and 1st March) are the hospice’s usual monthly coffee mornings from 10am to 12 noon, which everyone is welcome to attend. 

To find out more, call: 01298 815 388, or visit: www.blythehousehospice.org.uk/event/warm-space/all