PEOPLE in East Lothian are being encouraged to make use of dedicated 'warm places' to ensure they are keeping safe and regularly interacting with people this winter.

East Lothian Council has listed a number of warm places and activities available to people across the county that will help with social interaction and staying warm.

East Lothian Libraries offer a number of warm places for the public and are expecting to add more soon.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Libraries said: “Winter can be very difficult, and even more so now with the rise in the cost of living.

“For many years, our branches have provided safe, warm spaces, open for all to find support and resources, or just a welcoming, comfortable spot to pass some time.

“In the coming weeks, our branches will be adding more amenities, more resources, and more ways to help you stay warm, stay safe, and stay connected.

“While all of our branches are currently offered as 'warm places', most also have cosy, dedicated seating areas, free O2 WiFi, charging sockets, newspapers and accessibility to free menstrual products.

“Some branches are providing free coats for those in need, and many also offer foodbank drop-off points.

“This winter, please remember we are here to help.”

Another warm place being offered to the public is the Wednesday Club at Longniddry Parish Church.

The club runs every Wednesday at 2.30-4pm at Longniddry Church Halls and invites elderly people along to socialise over a cup of tea and some interactive games.

One activity that club members enjoyed was a visit to the church from some alpacas.

East Lothian Courier: Wednesday Club  guests got the chance to meet some alpacas on a visit to Longniddry Parish Church

Janet Anderson, a member of the church, runs the service and said that it helped senior citizens to socialise.

She said: “The club acts as a warm place for people to come along to and have a cup of tea and relax.

“But most importantly, it’s an opportunity for people to chat and engage with each other.

“A lot of the people who come along aren’t in a position where they need to go to a care home or day centre.

“But in many ways, these are the people who are often left out because they’re left sitting at home and not socialising.

“The people who come along all love Wednesday Club, they often describe it as ‘the light in the middle of their week’, which is lovely to hear.

“The club is open to all and anyone can come along and get involved. Whether it's to help out and volunteer, to sit and have a chat or just to stay warm, we are welcoming to everyone.”

Anyone looking to go along to Wednesday Club at Longniddry Parish Church can do so every Wednesday at 2.30pm free of charge.

Any enquiries about the service can be made to Janet Anderson on 07766 574123.

A list of all warm places being offered across East Lothian is as follows:

  • Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig: Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre, Cook Club at St Peter's Church, Wallyford Community Centre, Whitecraig Hub.
  • Preston Seton Gosford: Pennypit Trust, Prestonpans Royal British Legion, Prestonpans Labour Club, Prestonpans Library, Lighthouse Hub, Prestonpans Community Centre, Pennypit Centre, DadsWork, Port Seton Community Centre, Port Seton Bowling Club, Port Seton Library, Chalmers Church, Cockenzie Old Parish Church, Longniddry Parish Church, Longniddry Library, Longniddry Community Centre, Longniddry Bowling Club.
  • Fa'side: Tranent Library, Fa'side Community Kitchen at East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club, Volunteer Centre East Lothian, Tranent Parish Church, Macmerry Miners Club, Ormiston Cafe at Ormiston Community Centre, Ormiston Library, Pencaitland Lunch Club at Trevelyan Hall, Connections Cafe at Carriage House in Pencaitland, Gladsmuir Church, Roots and Fruits in Elphinstone.
  • North Berwick Coastal: Abbey Church small hall, St Andrew Blackadder Church, Law Primary School, North Berwick Community Centre, North Berwick Day Centre, North Berwick Rugby Club, North Berwick Library, Scottish Seabird Centre, Dirleton Kirk Hall, Gullane Library, Goose on the Green Gullane, Gullane Children's Hub, Gullane Day Centre, Gullane Village Hall.
  • Haddington and Lammermuir: Keep the Heid mental health cafe at the Trinity Centre, Haddington Peer Project at the Trinity Centre, Haddington Library, John Gray Centre museum, Our Community Kitchen at Haddington Bowling Club, Bridge Centre, Nungate and Haddington Community Centre, Haddington Day Centre, Soupersnacks at Humbie Village Hall.
  • Dunbar and East Linton: St Anne's Church Hall, The Ridge, Belhaven Church Hall, Belhaven Church Stables, Dunbar Grammar School, Dunbar Leisure Pool, John Muir's Birthplace, Dunbar Library, West Barns Village Hall, West Barns Bowling Club, Strawberry Barn, East Linton Community Hall, East Linton Bowling Club, Lynton Day Centre, East Linton Library, Spott Village Hall, Innerwick Village Hall.

Go to eastlothian.gov.uk/warm for the full list and to see when and for how long each venue is open, and what activities are taking place there.