It is getting brutally cold this winter. According to the Meteored weather report, temperatures are predicted to plummet to as low as -7 degrees over December. With next to no valid opportunities to leave the house, loneliness will be the highest it will ever be this year; on top of that, there has been a 178% rise in fuel costs since last winter, and 8.2 million people in the UK are in fuel poverty. So, the social action coordination Warm Spaces is working with councils across the country and is signposting anyone in need of warmth and community, sharing warm spaces with others. To explore this action further, I spoke with a member of Christ Church in Cheltenham to see what they have done when taking part.
Upon arrival, through the mighty green double wooden doors was a red carpet and charming mahogany. It was silence and notably warm, of course. Very eerie, but a sudden sense of safety and calm came over me. The church was empty. It was like the silence was appreciated. Through another set of double doors was the church, and a man working on the church construction greeted me alongside Linda.
Linda, a pensioner who works and volunteers at the church, says she is fortunate to be able to support a good cause. She was in the middle of setting up what looked like a nativity play with a Christmas tree and a small stage.
“It’s awfully cold, isn’t it,” she says. “I didn’t bring my gloves; that’s what happens at my age. You forget these things,” she says with a smile.
Linda and I sat on pews in the middle of the church, and unlit candles stood tall next to the pews facing the stage where a set up of a nativity scene was presented. Behind the set-up was the main stage, with a cross dangling from the ceiling and a podium where the vicar would speak. The silence was beautiful and fulfilling.
It isn’t always this calm, however. The church takes part in Warm Spaces every Friday from 9 am to noon; Linda attended the Warm Spaces event the previous Friday. When arriving, you are expected to be offered tea and a biscuit, with other people there to talk to.
“Knowing that someone is there for you if you need them is really comforting.”
It isn’t just about the visitors of the church; it is about the volunteers who work there as well.
“It gives me and my other colleagues like Kenneth… (we refer to him as lovely Kenneth) to do something with ourselves - it’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to help people who need it. I mean, this is what working for this about church is about, really.”
“I’m happy we are doing it. This is a wonderful opportunity for those struggling or needing a bit of support and a push to get them going this winter.”
It was then that she explained that she wasn’t preparing for a nativity play, but alternatively, the preparation was for the charity Maggie's, holding a Christmas Carol this evening at 6:30 at the church. Tickets cost £10 with all funds going to charities supporting those with cancer, you can purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
If you are feeling lonely, struggling finically with fuel or heating. Visit the Warm Spaces website to find spaces to rest and rejuvenate. Or visit the Diocese of Gloucester website for more local locations. More about Christ Church in Cheltenham is available on their website also.
Comments