As winter begins, Deal Warm Welcome continues
Published: 07 December 2022
• 291 guests visit Deal Warm Welcome
• Four new venues announced
Deal Warm Welcome has greeted almost 300 guests since its launch in November.
Across seven venues in the town, warmth, welcome, food and friendship have been shared with local people as the winter weather begins to turn.
Since the launch by Deal Town Council and partners The Salvation Army, Golf Road Community Centre, Trinity Church, St George’s Church and Leap & Bounds, the project has been joined by Talk It Out, United Families UK, St Andrew’s Church and St Richard’s Church.
Mayor Cllr Chris Turner said: “In the summer we began talking about how the cost of living crisis would impact our town and how we must do all we could to help.
“The support and tireless work of many in Deal means we have been able to open our doors to anyone who needs a warm, safe space, something to eat and friendship.
“As we prepared in a very mild November, our venues and their teams have been able to make sure we’re ready for whatever winter brings.”
The centres are open Monday to Friday and alternate Saturdays and are supported by other local groups including
Deal Area Foodbank,
Deal Rotary Pirates and
Deal Film Club.
United Families UK will host a special event at Betteshanger Sports and Social Club on Christmas Day, welcoming everyone through their doors so people can spend time with others and have a meal in the warm.
Golf Road Community Centre hosts two sessions a week on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3pm to 6pm. Chair Gill Walshe said: “This has been an amazing project to be part of and I am incredibly chuffed with the response.
“Not only for those who visit us, but for people coming to volunteer too, spending their time chatting with people and making a difference to other peoples’ lives. Everyone is truly welcome.
“Through word-of-mouth people have been made aware the centre is open for a cup of tea on a cold evening and we have free wi-fi and it’s a great place to sit and meet friends or do homework with your children. What’s more it doesn’t cost you a penny!”
Deal Warm Welcome is funded by Deal Town Council and will be open across the town until Easter. For more information please go to
www.deal.gov.uk/dww ends