A WINNALL-based CIC has set up a warmhub using a grant from Winchester City Council.

Munch CIC has opened the warmhub at its cafe in Unit 12 in Winnall. The warmhub is open from 9am until 3pm Monday to Friday and offers free soup and wifi to those who need it alongside books and games which have been donated by the community.

Munch co-founder Denzil Carlton said that he and partner Mary Needham set the warmhub up because they were aware of the need in Winnall.

Hampshire Chronicle: The warmhub features an array of board games for users to play (credit: Munch CIC)The warmhub features an array of board games for users to play (credit: Munch CIC) (Image: Munch CIC)Denzil explained: “It all boils down to, we’re in a position where we can help, and if you can help you probably should. We’re part of a community centre, and we try to engender that community spirit.

“We’re aware of levels of deprivation within Winnall and certainly in Winchester, like the broader area of Winchester, there are deprived areas. Look at foodbank usage and everything else.”

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He continued: “Because we are in a position where we can help, we’ve got the space, it’s warm because of the kitchen because the amount of heat that my kitchen pumps out is obscene. So, it means that we’ve got a space people can get warm and comfortable in. We’ve had a lot of books and games and jigsaws kindly donated by a lot of different people.

“It means that people can come in and sit down. We don’t ask questions, we don’t make judgement, it’s just there for them to help themselves to if they want to.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Denzil (right) with Tesco Community Champion Louise Burgess (credit: Munch CIC)Denzil (right) with Tesco Community Champion Louise Burgess (credit: Munch CIC) (Image: Munch CIC)The warmhub was set up using a £3,400 cost-of-living grant from Winchester City Council, which Munch applied for in conjunction with Unit 12. The grant will allow the CIC to run the warmhub until the end of March.

Denzil told the Chronicle that the warmhub had been successful since it opened on Monday, January 30, saying: “I see new people every day”.

Alongside the warmhub, Munch CIC also offers catering services as well as free cooking workshops for vulnerable people.

Denzil said that the next round of workshops will be coming to Munch at the end of March.