Warm Hubs Across Newport: A Winter of Warmth, Connection and Community

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piQ-vqP2P4I

Over the winter period, Warm Hubs across Newport have once again played a vital role in supporting residents through some of the coldest and most challenging months of the year.

Between September and the end of March, a total of 1,257 Warm Hub sessions took place across the city, welcoming 18,654 attendances. These sessions were delivered by 40 different community organisations, all working collaboratively to support local people using a share of £199,046 in funding made available through Newport City Council, the Welsh Government and the UK Government.

Welcoming Spaces Across the City

Warm Hub sessions ran in a wide range of settings, from small community rooms and libraries to larger venues such as sports halls and community centres. This flexibility allowed organisations to respond creatively to the needs of their communities.

Alongside informal drop‑ins offering hot drinks, food and a safe place to sit and talk, many groups hosted larger-scale activities and events. These included celebrations of cultural festivals and community milestones throughout the winter, giving people opportunities to come together, build relationships and reduce isolation at a time of year that can be particularly difficult for many.

More Than a Soup Kitchen

In recent years, the Warm Hub programme has evolved significantly. While access to warmth and food remains essential, the focus has shifted away from resembling a traditional soup kitchen towards becoming a wider community offer.

Warm Hubs provided spaces where people from all backgrounds could meet on equal terms to connect, share experiences, learn new skills and access support. Activities ranged from crafts, digital skills and wellbeing sessions, to family activities, youth engagement and advice drop‑ins. For many, the hubs became places of belonging rather than simply a service to access.

Impact Felt by Individuals and Communities

Participating organisations reported back monthly, sharing attendance figures alongside quotes and reflections from people using the Warm Hubs. These testimonies clearly demonstrate the positive impact the sessions have had — not only on individuals, but on community cohesion across Newport.

Below are just a few of the comments recorded during this year’s Warm Hub sessions:

“Coming here makes me feel safe and part of something. It’s not just a warm space — it’s a community where nobody judges you.”

“The warm hub gives me a reason to get out of the house. A hot drink, a hot meal and company make more difference than people realise.”

“I don’t have much money, so the hot food and drinks really help — but more than that, it makes me feel like someone cares.”

“This is the first place where I’ve felt comfortable opening up. I’ve made friends here and I don’t feel alone anymore.”

“The food is important, but it’s also about eating together. Everything tastes better when you share it with others.”

“Before coming here, I felt lost and isolated. Now I feel safe, supported, and like I belong somewhere.”

“It’s more than staying warm. I’ve learned new skills, accessed support, and found people who listen.”

“The Warm Hub has become my safe space. I look forward to coming every week for the warmth, the food, and the friendly faces.”

A Collective Achievement

The success of this year’s Warm Hub programme reflects the strength of Newport’s voluntary and community sector, the commitment of local volunteers and staff, and the value of partnership working across the city.

At a time when many people are facing rising costs, loneliness and uncertainty, Warm Hubs have shown that simple things such as warmth, food, shared spaces and human connection can make a meaningful difference.

This years Warm Hub's were provided by the following groups:

Active Lives

Adferedig CBC

And Breathe...

Bengal Dragons Foundation 

Community House Eton Road

Culture Minds UK

Cynefin Pamoja CIC

Duffryn Community Link

East African Women’s Association 

Faith Church Rogerstone

Gaer Community Family Learning

IQRA Community Centre

Kidcare 4U

Maindee Unlimited

Marshfield Village Hall Charity

Menter Iaith Casnewydd

Newport Chinese Community Centre

Newport City Radio

Newport International Church

Newport Live

Newport Mohila

Newport Sudanese Community

Newport Support Network CIC

No Comply Skatepark 

Race Council Cymru

Raven House Trust

Reality Theatre CIC

ReMake

Roots

St. Andrew's Primary School

St Basil & St Gwladys Community Room

St Julians Methodist Church

The Gap Wales

The Hive

The Nelson Trust

Tin Shed Theatre Community Interest Company (THE PLACE)

TOC H 

Urban Circle

Y Plant Affricannaidd CIC

YMCO