A free warm hub in Lewisham is reopening its doors to help those struggling to heat their homes this winter.

L&Q ran the warm hub at the Lewington centre last winter, and it will be open again every Friday from 1pm to 3pm, starting Friday, December 8.

The hub offers a warm and welcoming space for people to come and get a hot drink, make friends, play games, and engage with staff who can offer free employment and financial advice.

Last winter, three of the social landlord’s community centres across London hosted Warm Hubs.

144 people visited in total, with attendance going up each month.

Matt Corbett, Director of L&Q Foundation said: “The cost of living remains a real challenge for low-income households.

“We surveyed our residents last year and found that 60% expected they would have to choose between heating and eating over the winter.

“This was before the higher costs for heating homes took hold - with Ofgem announcing today that energy prices will rise again in January.

“In times of economic hardship, our duty to help those that are less well-off is more important than ever.

“That’s why we’re re-opening our warm hub at the Lewington centre, offering local people a meeting place and home away from home.”

As the colder weather draws in, several activities and events will be taking place at the Lewington centre indoors, including roller skating sessions for families.

In collaboration with Sport England and supported by the National Lottery, L&Q hosts a range of inclusive and engaging fitness activities for residents as part of the social landlord’s Get Set Go! programme.

Located within the Silwood estate, the Lewington centre has been given a significant upgrade by L&Q.

Originally opened in 2008, recent changes include improvements to the building’s interiors and a large walkway leading to a new café space equipped with an industrial kitchen.

The investment was part of a wider aim to revive the underutilised hub and transform it into a community asset centred around connection and learning.