A community initiative is giving Blue Monday a colourful makeover.
Lads Lunch, which runs out of The Bridge Church in Bulwark, Chepstow, is celebrating Warm Welcome Week from January 20 to 26.
The week aims to raise awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces, like Lads Lunch, where people can find warmth and connection close to home.
The initiative, which has been running for more than two years, is a lifeline to people in Chepstow, Bulwark, and Thornwell who are struggling to keep warm and those feeling lonely or isolated.
Lads Lunch is a warm, welcoming, safe, and free space that is open each Thursday from 12pm to 2pm offering a warm welcome, warm conversation, and a free warm meal to men in the community.
The initiative is asking people to wear warm colours and get creative with pinks, oranges, reds, and purples to chase the blues away and raise awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces.
David Barclay, Warm Welcome campaign director, said: “We know demand for Warm Welcome Spaces will be high this January, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging.
“The dark winter days and nights of January can be extremely tough.
“We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.”
“We’re asking everyone to join us in Warm Welcome Week, to raise awareness, so more people can find a place of warmth and welcome, and by encouraging more community spaces to open their doors to local people.
“Everyone can show their support by simply wearing bright warming colours of pinks, oranges, purples, and reds to represent the joy, positivity, and friendship found in every Warm Welcome Space.”
You can find Lads Lunch at Unit 1A Critchcraft Buildings, Bulwark NP16 5QZ.