On a visit to Burwell Warm Hub to see how it was progressing, volunteers and users were on hand to offer a happy welcome. 

It is one of the main reasons why it has been an important service, particularly on Friday, January 20 coined as one of its busiest days to date. 

The hub, one of 13 in East Cambridgeshire, is held at the Burwell Day Centre that has been running for 34 years and continues to offer a lifeline to many residents. 

What do users think to Burwell Warm Hub? 

Those I spoke to at the day centre were grateful for what the hub offered to them, not just respite from harsh winter weather. 

Carl lost his wife last year and believes coming to the warm hub almost daily every week between Monday and Friday has given him something different to focus on. 

“I was married for 54 years and I had more will and drive to come here after losing my wife,” said Carl, a Blackpool supporter wearing the colours of his favourite German football club, FC Bayern Munich. 

Ely Standard: MP Lucy Frazer speaks to Carl, who attends Burwell Warm Hub almost daily.MP Lucy Frazer speaks to Carl, who attends Burwell Warm Hub almost daily. (Image: Daniel Mason)

Robbie, of Burwell, is another who has used the warm hub as a place of support after losing his parents. 

And having played guitar for around 30 years, he treated spectators to a short performance. 

Ely Standard: Robbie, one of the warm hub users, entertains spectators by playing the guitar.Robbie, one of the warm hub users, entertains spectators by playing the guitar. (Image: Daniel Mason)

For Gerald, using the day centre to meet others with similar life experiences has been a welcome distraction. 

“I was an aircraft engineer, spent 37 years in the Royal Air Force and the warm hub keeps me distracted from the worries,” he said. 

Coleen, a former technician at schools and colleges in Hertfordshire, has made friends since she started attending the warm hub last October. 

“I attend to save money with the heating, it’s good for my mental health and I feel better for that,” said Coleen. 

Ely Standard: Coleen has made new friends since she started attending Burwell Warm Hub.Coleen has made new friends since she started attending Burwell Warm Hub. (Image: Daniel Mason)

For the last three to four months, Neil, a former professor of engineering mathematics, has visited the Burwell Day Centre for meals. 

He is another beneficiary of support on hand through the warm hubs scheme while his wife battles advanced Alzheimer’s. 

“The warm hub has given me a lot of support dealing with the issues with my wife,” Neil said. 

“I have no family around here and the hub has people with similar experiences [to me].” 

Ely Standard: Neil said the warm hub has provided support since his wife was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's.Neil said the warm hub has provided support since his wife was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's. (Image: Daniel Mason)

How is the warm hub doing? 

On January 20, there was hardly a spare chair in sight, one reason perhaps being the visit of South East Cambridgeshire MP Lucy Frazer later that day. 

The warm hub has been somewhat a saviour for Burwell Day Centre, which has seen a fall in people visiting for different reasons, including Covid. 

“We have less people at the day centre than ever,” said Hazel Williams, chairman of Burwell Day Centre. 

“Some older people are not convinced it is safe [from Covid], some are not able to get out.” 

There are around seven warm hub volunteers, such as Katie Clarke, general assistant at Burwell Day Centre, who feels the service is coping well. 

Ely Standard: Katie Clarke, general assistant at Burwell Warm Hub, said progress has been going well since opening last year.Katie Clarke, general assistant at Burwell Warm Hub, said progress has been going well since opening last year. (Image: Daniel Mason)

Ms Williams is thinking of running other services to help recover a decline in attendance figures. 

She said: “For some, the warm hub makes a massive difference. 

“The warm hub will change the day centre into a place where people come to feel part of the day.” 

What is the government doing to help? 

More than eight million households on eligible means tested benefits are due to receive up to an extra £900 cost of living payment between 2023-24 as part of a £26 billion government support package. 

SE Cambs MP Ms Frazer, also a housing minister, visited the Burwell Warm Hub and saw how the service is run. 

Ely Standard: South East Cambridgeshire MP Lucy Frazer said she learnt more about how much of a community feel a warm hub can bring during her visit to Burwell.South East Cambridgeshire MP Lucy Frazer said she learnt more about how much of a community feel a warm hub can bring during her visit to Burwell. (Image: Daniel Mason)

“I’ve seen the great work volunteers are doing across East and South Cambridgeshire, setting up areas where people can come for warmth and companionship,” she said. 

“I’ve learnt from this visit that people value this service and the community feel it provides.” 

Where can I find my nearest warm hub? 

For more information on warm hubs in East Cambridgeshire, visit: https://www.cambsacre.org.uk/what-we-do-cambridgeshire-acre/warm-hubs/