Four churches in Exmouth and one in Budleigh Salterton have joined a national initiative to help local residents through the cold winter months. 

With this winter widely forecast to be the toughest financially for decades, the ‘Warm Welcome’ campaign is being described as ‘the community response to the cost of living crisis’. 

It involves churches and other buildings opening their doors to the local community to offer everyone a warm, friendly place to spend their time, free of charge.   

Christ Church, on North Street, is one of the four in Exmouth that will be offering hot drinks and comfortable seating in a relaxed, warm environment and at no cost.  It is expected that these spaces will attract a range of people including home workers, individuals seeking company, those wishing to join in with craft and leisure activities, and many wanting to make the most of free and warm environments. 

Bishop Josep Rosello of Christ Church said he understands the needs of families as the rise in heating bills, mortgages and the general cost of living continues to affect everyone.  

He said: “We are so delighted to join our fellow churches both locally and nationally in this amazing initiative, and really hope people will gather together and enjoy what we are able to offer. We have the opportunity to bless our neighbours and support them in the days to come.” 

Holy Trinity on Rolle Street, The Community Church on Market Street, and Littleham Wave Church at the Community Centre have joined Christ Church in taking part, and in Budleigh Salterton, the Wave Community Café in the Baptist Church is participating. Around 750 churches across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed up and as the initiative gains momentum, more churches are expected to participate.  Further details on participating organisations and opening times can be found online at https://www.warmwelcome.uk/  

Alongside Warm Welcome Spaces, Christ Church is also offering movie nights each month with free entrance, free drinks and popcorn.  The evenings continue this Thursday, 20th October at 7pm with a showing of The Cross and The Switchblade, and the movie nights are expected to continue throughout the winter, drawing people into the warmth of the church for a free, fun evening.