New Warm Hub to Launch at the James West Community Centre

The Town Council’s Communities Committee has agreed to the Railway Club operating a new Warm Hub from the James West Community Centre throughout the winter season. The initiative, organised by the Railway Club, aims to support residents struggling with rising energy costs by offering a welcoming, heated space and free refreshments.

With several community organisations reintroducing warm hubs for the colder months, the Committee’s approval enables the Railway Club to extend its support for local residents beyond its usual weekly sessions at the Station Youth Centre in Western Road, where the group already meets all year-round on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm.

Operating under the umbrella of the Railway Club, the new Warm Hub will run every Friday (9.30am to midday) from early December through to the end of February, launching this Friday [5th December]. The hub will provide hot drinks, biscuits, cakes, board games, activities, toys for children and space for conversation. It will be open to all ages, and attendees are welcome to bring their own games, books or activities to share.

“The rising cost-of-living has left many people in our community with difficult choices about keeping their homes warm,” said Anne Marie Ricketts, co-organiser of the Railway Club. “By opening the doors of the James West Community Centre each Friday, we hope to give residents a friendly, comfortable environment where they can stay warm, enjoy a chat and feel supported during the winter months.”

Fellow organiser Anne Blake-Coggins added: “Our aim is to make this Warm Hub a truly inclusive space – somewhere families, residents and anyone feeling the pressure of heating costs can come together. We’re grateful to the Town Council for allowing us to use the James West Community Centre, recognising the need for another warm hub facility and helping us to make this possible.”

Philippa Westover, co-organiser of the new initiative, said: “Community spirit is at the heart of everything we do, and this Warm Hub is a perfect example of what can be achieved when groups and local authorities work together. We hope people of all ages will feel comfortable dropping in to the James West Community Centre, whether it’s for company, warmth or simply a change of scene.”

Tony Lee, Hailsham Town Council’s Operations & Facilities Manager, highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting the community through practical use of its facilities. “We are pleased to enable the Railway Club to operate their Warm Hub from the James West Community Centre,” he said. “The Council’s properties are here to serve the community, and this initiative provides essential support at a time when many households are struggling. We are proud that the Centre can play a part in ensuring residents have a safe, warm place to go this winter.”

The Town Council continues to encourage local groups working on similar projects and recognises the value they bring to the wellbeing of residents during challenging economic times.