Last winter Epsom Methodist Church, in the heart of Epsom, opened up its premises every Wednesday as a place where people could come to keep warm, enjoy hot drinks and a lunchtime bowl of soup and have a friendly chat with others. In the afternoons Warm Wednesdays hosted an after-school club that included children’s entertainment and an evening meal for all the family. Everything was free of charge and the initiative proved very popular, with an army of volunteers making and serving over 1,000 meals during the course of the winter. 

From 1^st November through to 13^th March 2024 Warm Wednesdays is back and from 10am to 6pm will be making the same offer available as last year. On the first Wednesday (November 1^st) students from the nationally acclaimed Laine Theatre Arts will be coming to the after-school club to lead a Disney-themed entertainment session. 

In an exciting new development Warm Wednesdays will this winter also include a weekly one-stop advice cafe. The church has partnered with a range of local organisations including Citizens Advice, The Mary Frances Trust, Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub, The Good Company, Surrey Community Action and Surrey County Council, to offer advice and support on: 

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Benefits, welfare rights, housing and rents
• Energy saving in the home and dealing with energy suppliers
• Finding a job and accessing training
• Budgeting and managing your money
• Getting help in a crisis 

Robert Hill, one of the organisers of Warm Wednesdays explained: 

“No appointments are required – just drop in, grab a free hot drink and have a chat to one of the friendly advisers. One week the advice café will operate in the morning from 11.30am until 1pm and the next week in the afternoon from 3.30pm to 5.15pm. 

“We know life is tough for many people at the moment. Some people just want to be part of a friendly community where they can stay warm and make new friends. Others have particular worries and pressing concerns. And some will simply welcome somewhere where they and their children are entertained and catered for in a relaxed environment. 

“We look forward to welcoming back many of those who joined us last year as well as making lots of new friends this winter.” 

Further details and a map of Epsom Methodist Church’s location can be found at https://www.epsommethodistchurch.org.uk/Groups/409512/Warm_Wednesdays.aspx