Many of the services are in high demand
It's 10am on a cold Thursday morning in Netherfield but already there has been a steady flow of visitors through the doors of the St George Centre in Victoria street. The centre has been operating since 1998 and it has provided vital support for the local community who rely on it for everything from food to karate lessons.
Tina Simpson is the treasurer and trustee of the centre. She says the community-owned centre moves with the times to react to whatever situation that people are facing. Regular visitors have noticed an increase in people visiting over recent months as it has got colder. Jayne Harlowe from Carlton has been coming to the centre for a few months. She likes popping down for the company and a cuppa. She also highlighted that visiting the cafe, which serves as a warm hub, means she has been able to delay switching her heating on.
Adrian Fitzpatrick has been visiting since March after he went through a bereavement. He has found great support at the centre and also helps a friend to access food through the centre. "We serve on average 30 to 60 meals a day across five days a week. It seems as the week goes on, it gets busier so we can do around 60 meals on a Wednesday of which 10 are vegetarian," Tina said.
"Everyone is worried but it's a support mechanism. If you are all together, here and chatting with your friends then you have a bit of support. We work closely with the council, citizens' advice and Jigsaw Homes so help is on hand but people have to ask for it," Tina said.