With concerns about the cost of living, the Town Council is working in partnership with local organisations to support residents in a number of ways. Collectively we are working together so ensure those in need are supported and have access to essential services.
Warm spaces in Harpenden
During the cold weather period, “Warm Spaces” are open in Harpenden in response to the rising cost of living. Venues that offer a welcoming place for all are listed below. Thank you to the volunteers who enabled these venues to open and offer a warm space to those who needed it.
Cornelia’s remains open to Warm Space visitors in the St Nicholas Church Hall.
- Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am – noon.
For further details please call: 01582 765 524. Website: Cornelias Café - Parish of Harpenden
The Harpenden Trust
Well Bean Community Café
The Well Bean Café is open on weekdays, Mondays through Fridays, for tea, coffee, and cakes – and a welcoming chat with volunteer baristas - at No.130 Southdown Road (above the Coop) - no prices, with an opportunity for those who wish to make a donation as you leave. (Closed over Christmas week).
Harpenden Trust Seniors’ Coffee mornings
On Tuesday mornings at the Harpenden Trust Centre (90 Southdown Road – opposite the Plough & Harow) – from 10.00am to 11.00am
And, on Thursday mornings at the Salvation Army - from 10.00am to 11.00am.
For further details please call 01582 460457; or visit the Harpenden Trust website: www.theharpendentrust.org.uk
For further details please call: 01582 460 457. Website: The Harpenden Trust – We are here to help the AL5 community | The Harpenden Trust
- Open on Fridays 10am - 1pm
- The cafe is open 10am – 12pm Mondays – Saturdays.
- 'Souper Lunches' will be reopening on Thursday afternoons from 12-2pm on: 7th November, 21st November, 5th December, 19th December serving delicious home-made hot soup, payment is by donation only.
Further information can be found on their website: High Street Methodist Church Call 01582 713056 or email: office@highstreet.church
- Toddler group every Thursday during term time, 9.30-11am
- Coffee and conversation at Oasis cafe on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month 10-11.30am, a welcoming environment open to anyone who would like a chat, listening ear, cuppa and a piece of cake.
Everyone is welcome!
Further information can be found on their website: Crabtree Church Harpenden – Serving God and People
This information is being updated regularly, if you organise or know about a warm space open to the public on a regular basis that isn't listed please let us know.
Food Banks
The St Albans & District Foodbank works using a voucher referral system. Find up to date information about here.
The KIng's Pantry Foodbank is a Harpenden Community Project provided by Bethany Community Church and The Salvation Army.
The majority of food that we give out is given through local donations. Those wishing to receive help with food:
- are encouraged to either get a referral from Citizen's Advice, Harpenden Trust or Harpenden Money Advice Centre
- can also get a referral by speaking with one of the church leaders in Harpenden and asking to be referred
- some NHS staff may also make referrals.
- it is also possible to seek help by phoning The Salvation Army officer on 01582 469399.
Citizens Advice
Advice is available over the phone on 01727 811 118 or 0800 144 8848 on Mondays to Thursdays, 10am-4pm and on Friday 10am-1pm, and also online: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
If you would like to visit in person they are open on Mondays 10am-1pm at The Salvation Army, Leyton Green and at the Harpenden Trust Well Bean Community Café (130 Southdown Road, above the Coop) on Wednesdays between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Household Support Fund
To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire has been provided with funding from the government’s Household Support Fund. This will be used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food. Hertfordshire County Council is working with a range of partners across the county to make sure those who need help receive it.
The application-based support for residents can be accessed via Welfare Assistance Scheme. To apply, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/was
Support is available for people living with Dementia
Click here to read the Alzheimer's Society article if you are worried about how rising living costs will impact your finances if you live with dementia, or care for someone with the condition. Harpenden Town Council has committed to making Harpenden a Dementia Friendly Town, read about what this means on our Dementia Friendly page.
Responding to winter weather
On a practical level, our Town Rangers work tirelessly over the winter period responding to the challenges that cold weather presents, from clearing public footpaths to dealing with emergency repairs. In addition, we are thankful for our army of ‘Snow Angel’ volunteers whose main responsibility of clearing snow and ice from the pavements allows more vulnerable residents to get out and about more safely.
You can read about our Snow Angels scheme on our Volunteering page. If you’re able to assist us in clearing snow in the future, in your local area, please contact us, this is a scheme that really makes a difference, particularly to more vulnerable members of our community.
Keep in touch
We are regularly updating our website with information and posting bulletins on our social media channels but if you know someone who is not online and they wish to get in touch you can find our contact details here.
