Spring may be on the way, but the cold weather is still biting, making warmth and companionship more important than ever.
To support the local community, Birchmere House Care Home in Birmingham, part of Avery Healthcare, launched a Warm Hub, a welcoming space where people can enjoy a hot drink, good company, and a sense of belonging.
The Birchmere House Warm Hub, which opened last week, offers a cosy retreat with tea, cake, and friendly conversation, plus board games, puzzles, and daily newspapers in a relaxed setting.
The Warm Hub runs every Wednesday from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at the care home.
The initiative was created by Nicola Urry, Customer Liaison Manager, and Kerry Counihan, Senior Well-being Coordinator, both at Birchmere House Care Home, to provide a comfortable and inviting space for the local community.
According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people in the UK often feel lonely, which can have serious effects on both mental and physical health.
Community initiatives like the Warm Hub provide a vital opportunity for people to connect, socialise, and feel valued.
Local resident Michelle O’Neill, who attended with her sister, described how special the experience was.
“My sister and I were made to feel so welcome at The Birchmere Warm Hub. Honestly, I can’t believe how wonderful this place is. So many members of staff and residents came over for a chat. The atmosphere here is like something I have never experienced. We will be back next Wednesday!”
Mandie Hurst, another local visitor, shared how much the Warm Hub meant to her after a difficult time.
She said, “Having been quite poorly in 2024 and not always able to go out, it has been a joy for me to attend the Warm Hub. What a lovely place, full of lovely people. I never knew what to expect, it has been overwhelming in the most wonderful way. A place for anyone in the community to feel welcome, who knew? Thank you, Birchmere House, really looking forward to seeing you all next week.”
Kerry Counihan expressed how important the initiative is for both Birchmere House Care Home and the wider community by stating, “The Birchmere House Warm Hub has proven that people working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose to make a difference has made the impossible possible.”
The Birchmere House Care Home team is passionate about giving back to the community. They look forward to welcoming more visitors in the coming weeks.
For further information, please call 01564 732400 or visit www.averyhealthcare.co.uk.
