Old Trafford's Warm Hub making a big difference
Hundreds of people from the local community have accessed Old Trafford’s ‘Warm Hub’ evenings since they were first launched in December.
The initiative is part of the club’s ‘United By Your Side’ campaign, which aims to help the areas around Old Trafford during the winter months, amid low temperatures and the punishing cost-of-living crisis.
The Warm Hub is based at the Red Cafe, inside the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, and guests can enjoy hot food, drinks and entertainment free of charge, from 5pm until 8pm every Tuesday.
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United’s communications manager Michael Gibson reports that the programme seems to have had a really positive impact on both visitors and staff:
“There has been a great turn out every week,” says Michael. “Hundreds of people have benefited, especially during some of the colder moments of the winter. Anyone can come down, save some costs during this difficult time, enjoy some free food in a relaxed atmosphere.
“The response during the trial period was fantastic so we decided to continue the evenings in the first week of January until the end of February.”
And Gibson reveals that the initiative is not only supporting those struggling with increases to the basic cost of living.
“Some people come down because they are lonely,” he explains. “A couple of people said: ‘I haven’t had anybody to spend much time with in the lead-up to Christmas, and I wanted to feel a bit of the festive cheer.’
“There are a few who are older fans and like to come to discuss old players, managers, and their days on the terraces supporting the club. There are others that attend our Alzheimer’s sessions on the Tuesday morning, then follow it up by going to the Warm Hub in the evening. There is a real sense of community, and it is recognised by the club that it is important to look after those around us.”
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There’s been an enthusiastic response from club staff too, many of whom have offered to give up their free time to help out.
“There’s a real sense of community there,” he enthuses. “One younger kid ran in last month and said: ‘We were gutted you didn’t do it at Christmas!’ because we didn’t run it over Christmas week. So you can tell they are enjoying it.”
Gibson says the Warm Hub evenings will run until at least the end of February, and all are welcome.
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