A North Tyneside Warm Welcome venue is giving people a chance to explore North Shields’ historic Fish Quay and the surrounding area.
The Old Low Light Heritage Centre is one of 40 warm spaces across the Borough, made possible by £75,000 in funding from North Tyneside Council.
The centre is offering a range of activities this year as well as free teas and coffees and a warm space to sit, each Friday between 10am and 3pm.
They are all free and include a guided heritage walks around Clifford’s Fort, winter bird watching walk, short informal talks about local people’s experiences of the Merchant Navy, craft sessions, and an opportunity to explore the Old Low Light itself, the oldest surviving building on the Fish Quay.
Centre director Guy Moody said: “Thanks to funding from North Tyneside Council, we are very pleased to be able to again offer a warm space on Fridays over the winter as we know that people are continuing to feel the pressure of rising costs, including high energy bills.
“The centre with its café and galleries is already a popular venue with many who come regularly to meet friends and find out about the heritage and history of the area.
“This funding allows us to extend our warm welcome to others with a free hot drink on Fridays, as well as some free activities if they want to spend some time in our centre as the weather gets colder.”
Since launching in 2022, more than 43,000 people have visited a warm space in North Tyneside.
As well as its libraries and customer first centres, North Tyneside Council has funded 20 voluntary and community sector organisations to open their doors to residents.
Free hot drinks are on offer at all venues and they are open to everyone, with no criteria.
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “We want all our residents to have access to a warm, comfortable space this winter.
“Many people are struggling with their household bills and we‘re committed to offering support to those who need it as this crisis continues.
“It’s great to see so many of our wonderful voluntary and community groups in the Borough getting involved and putting on a warm welcome, including the Old Low Light Heritage Centre.
“It gives people a chance not only to stay warm but also to meet new people and find out about their local area.”
This winter’s Warm Welcomes will run from November 2023 to April 2024. A full list of venues, opening times and activities can be found on the Council’s website.
The Warm Welcome scheme is part of North Tyneside Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Full details about the support available for North Tyneside residents and businesses can be found here:
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1652/cost-living-support
For more information on the Old Low Light warm space go to www.oldlowlight.co.uk or follow the Old Low Light on Facebook.
