The Good Heart has opened its doors as a seven-day-per-week warm space for anyone who wants to shelter from the cold and enjoy a hot drink and something to eat from January to March.
Thanks to funding from Somerset Community Foundation, a new initiative called £1 Mondays will also see volunteers serving meals from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
The meals cost £1 for adults and are free for children from Monday 13th January until the end of March.
“Our pay-it-forward scheme, generously supported by our customers, means that we’re always happy to offer a freshly cooked hot meal free of charge during café opening hours,” explained chef Jo Harrington, who specialises in vegetarian and plant-based meals that are healthy, sustainable and coeliac-friendly.
This is in addition to regular weekly and monthly groups such as Tiny Hearts (for under-fives and their carers), Tea & Toasties (for age 12+), Young People’s Wellbeing, Rainbow Tiny Hearts, Dying Matters, the Open Mental Health Wellbeing Café and a Men’s Circle on Sunday evenings.
Planning is also underway for the fourth Frome Kindness Festival, which will take place from 15th to 22nd March and offers all kinds of opportunities over the winter to meet others and help out as a maker, steward or project leader.
“Our first meet-up of the year will take place on Sunday 19th January at 2pm at The Good Heart on Palmer Street.
Volunteer coordinator Becky Ravenscroft said, “Everyone is welcome; please book in advance on welcome@thegoodheart.uk.”
“We’re also looking for volunteers who would enjoy welcoming people into the café on weekdays, with lunch provided! Please consider joining our friendly team.”
Full details of all the activities listed above can be found on www.thegoodheart.uk.
Pictured: Chef Jo at The Good Heart