Sutton Community Works and Encompass held their second ‘Winter Hug’ event in December 2022 at the Community Food Shop in the St Nicholas Centre, Sutton. Partners offered donations of warm clothing to those in need, including people in temporary accommodation or from the Ukrainian community.
In partnership with River Church Sutton and the NHS, donations were collected across the borough to provide a range of winter warmers and essential items for the event.
Sophie Flatt, Wellbeing and Support Team Leader from Encompass, said: “The December Sutton Community Winter Hug was a very special event and wonderful to see so many people and their families turn up and benefit from the community’s generosity.”
Many of the guests told me what a difference this event would make to them and their little ones and thanked me and the partners for making it happen. I don’t think it could have gone any better and am sincerely grateful for the generosity (in every sense) of the community partners who contributed to this event’s success, thank you!
Sophie Flatt, Wellbeing and Support Team Leader from Encompass
Coats, jumpers, gloves and blankets were some of the winter warmers on offer, free of charge, to support those who are struggling the most with the cost of living and cold weather. Children who may have felt Father Christmas had forgotten them, were offered a special gift. Other donations included household essentials such as mugs and a selection of children’s toys and books.
Residents also had the opportunity to speak one to one, with a member of Sutton Council Welfare Reform Team, offering cost of living advice throughout the day.
The Community Food Shop is open weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 12pm. It is located on the ground floor of the St Nicholas Centre, Sutton, between Sean Hanna and Deichman shoe shop.
Find out more by visiting Sutton Community Works
Partners are planning to host another event in spring 2023.