Hundreds of residents have taken to Warm Hubs since they first opened in East Cambridgeshire two months ago. 

Volunteers have offered financial support for struggling families, advice on dealing with the cost of living crisis, and act as somebody to talk to. 

Here, we find out how the Warm Hubs project is progressing and where you can find them. 

Ely Standard: There are 13 Warm Hubs in East Cambridgeshire, run by Cambridgeshire ACRE.There are 13 Warm Hubs in East Cambridgeshire, run by Cambridgeshire ACRE. (Image: Matthew Power Photography)

How are Warm Hubs progressing? 

Towns and villages in East Cambridgeshire have welcomed many people since the Hubs were first introduced in October. 

The 13 Hubs, coordinated by charity Cambridgeshire ACRE, are designed to support vulnerable and isolated people, as well as those on lower incomes. 

Kirsten Bennett, chief executive of Cambridgeshire ACRE, said: “I think there have been more people than I expected.” 

Some hubs may not be able to progress as much as others if, for example, they have to hire facilities. 

Ms Bennett said there are no exact figures on the number of people that have attended Warm Hubs so far.

But she added: “Progress is going well.” 

Ely Standard: Cambridgeshire ACRE, who co-ordinate the Warm Hubs, say the project is progressing well.Cambridgeshire ACRE, who co-ordinate the Warm Hubs, say the project is progressing well. (Image: Matthew Power Photography)

Who are attending Warm Hubs? 

People from different ages and backgrounds have attended so far.

Robin Gildersleeve, lead volunteer at the Haddenham and Wilburton Warm Hub, said: “We’ve had mums, dads, children, people of all backgrounds attend on a regular basis.” 

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, visited the Warm Hub in Haddenham and is pleased with the overall turnout across the area. 

She said: “I think the next thing to think about is how to attract people who are not aware of the Hub but might benefit.” 

Ely Standard: Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, believes the Warm Hubs will become more important amid wintry weather conditions.Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, believes the Warm Hubs will become more important amid wintry weather conditions. (Image: Matthew Power Photography)

How can Warm Hubs continue to progress? 

Arguably one of the most popular Warm Hubs in East Cambridgeshire is based at the Haddenham Sports and Social Club, which has attracted around 700 visitors since opening in October. 

The Hub also offers other activities Monday to Friday, while aiming to raise around £4,000 in running costs.

Mr Gildersleeve said the Hub is planning on running a community transport service for villagers.  

He said: “If we can get people in from home or are dubious about who the hub is for, they will receive a warm welcome."

Ely Standard: Warm Hubs seem to become increasingly popular, with one having already attracted 700 visitors since it first opened.Warm Hubs seem to become increasingly popular, with one having already attracted 700 visitors since it first opened. (Image: Matthew Power Photography)

Here are the Warm Hubs in East Cambridgeshire you can visit and their opening times: 

Ashley Warm Hub

Venue: Ashley Pavilion, High Street, Ashley, Newmarket, CB8 9DX
Opening times: Thursday, 12.30pm - 3.30pm (alternate weeks starting November 24)

Burrough Green Warm Hub

Venue: Burrough Green Reading Room, Bradley Road, Burrough Green, Newmarket, CB8 9NH
Opening times: Thursday, 3.30pm - 5pm and Friday, 9.30am - 11.30am

Burwell Warm Hub 

Venue: Burwell Day Centre, Ash Grove, Parsonage Close, Burwell, Cambridge, CB25 0EN 
Opening times: Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm 

Ely Warm Hub 

Venue: Ely Methodist Church, 13 - 15 Chapel Street, Ely, CB6 1AD 
Opening times: Sunday, 1pm - 4pm 

Fordham Warm Hub 

Venue: Victoria Hall, Carter Street, Fordham, Ely, CB7 5NG 
Opening times: Monday, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Wednesday, 9.30am - 12.30pm 

Haddenham & Wilburton Warm Hub 

Venue: Haddenham Sports and Social Club, Chewells Lane, Haddenham, Ely, CB6 3SS 
Opening times: Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm 

Little Downham Warm Hub 

Venue: Little Downham Village Hall, Main Street, Little Downham, Ely, CB6 2ST 
Opening times: Wednesday, 1pm - 4pm and Friday, 10am - 12pm 

Little Thetford Warm Hub 

Venue: Little Thetford Village Hall, The Wyches, Little Thetford, Ely, CB6 3HG 
Opening times: Monday, 10am - 1pm, Thursday, 10am - 1pm 

Littleport Warm Hub 

Venue: St George's Church Parish Room, Church Lane, Littleport, Ely, CB6 1PS 
Opening times: Wednesday, 2pm - 4pm, Friday, 10.30am - 12.30pm 

Mepal Warm Hub 

Venue: Mepal Village Hall, School Lane, Mepal, Ely, CB6 2AU 
Opening times: Monday, 10am - 1pm 

Soham Warm Hub 

Venue: Walter Gidney Pavilion, Fountain Lane, Soham, Ely, CB7 5PL 
Opening times: Tuesday, 12pm - 3pm 

Stetchworth Warm Hub

Venue: Ellesmere Centre, Ley Road, Stetchworth, Newmarket, CB8 9TS
Opening times: Monday, 9am - 12pm, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm

Sutton Warm Hub 

Venue: The Brunel Room within The Glebe, 4 High Street, Sutton, Ely, CB6 2RB 
Opening times: Wednesday, 9am – 12pm.