A north-east church will receive a share of council cash to help set up a warm hub this winter.
Arbuthnot, Bervie and Kinneff Church applied to the Aberdeenshire Charities Trust (ACT2) seeking £1,000.
Funding will be used to cover additional heating costs, food and activities.
Some cash may also be set aside to buy hats, gloves and socks for those in need.
The Bervie warm hub joins other warm banks opening up across the north-east.
Facility to provide ‘warmth and refuge’ this winter
It will be located in the hall next to Bervie Church, and will be free of charge to anyone as a place of “warmth and refuge”.
Minister Andrew Morrison said: “Like everyone else the people of our church have been concerned about the rising costs of all of our budgets.
“We know that many in our area will struggle this winter.
“We are thankful for the Government bringing in some extra funding for those who will struggle the most…
“But we recognise that nonetheless many people will still struggle despite the extra help.”
Food and activities will be provided at Bervie warm hub
The Bervie warm hub will initially open for a few hours a week to see how popular it is and to see if any improvements can be made going forward.
It will mainly be a place where people can be warm but the church will serve tea, coffee, cake, soup and bread.
Anyone going along can take part in activities the church has planned or bring along their own hobbies such as knitting.
Those with mobile phones or laptops will be welcome to charge them in the warm hub.
Meanwhile the hall has a sofa room with a TV should people want to head along and watch something.
Rev. Morrison added: “As a parish church committed to our local area as we have been for hundreds of years, we want to serve local people and be there to provide them with hospitality and friendship this winter.”
The application was considered and unanimously approved by the Kincardine and Mearns area committee on Tuesday.
You can watch the discussion below:
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