An East End housing association is helping locals battle the cost-of-living crisis with a new initiative.
Milnbank Housing Association began its 'warm spaces' initiative last week, to help locals switch off their gas and electricity and save money this winter.
The initiative has seen the association opening up two East End community halls throughout the week, to offer a space where locals can get free drinks, food, and a chat.
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The initiative runs Monday to Friday at Bluevale Community Hall from 10am till 4pm, and MHA Community Hall every Thursday from 9am till 4pm.
Margaret Cameron, Bluevale Hall caretaker and Milnbank Housing Association employee, said: "We started 'warm spaces' last Monday because this is something that's needed right now with cost of living going through the roof.
"This is a place for people to be, it's a heated space so people can come and save some money on their bills.
"Even if people want to come in and just watch the television, that's totally fine.
"We're just trying our best for the community."
During Bluevale's 'warm spaces', a free breakfast between 10am and 12pm is served, as well as free hot rolls from 12pm until 4pm.
Those using the service have stated its usefulness during this difficult financial time.
Lynda Pettigrew, 31, from High Carntyne, said: "I work, and the cost of living crisis is making it hard for people that work as well as pensioners.
"So I come here, I get a chat, a bit of heat and a laugh.
"This initiative will help me a lot bill-wise."
Donna Cook, 60, a volunteer with Milnbank Housing Association and a user of the 'warm spaces' initiative, said: "It is a brilliant idea.
"It means that a wee pensioner can come in and there's something here for them, whether that's a chat or some homemade soup.
"In terms of gas and electricity, if someone is sitting in the house all day they're burning that but if they're here, they don't need to burn it. For that, it's a fantastic idea."
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Christina Courtney, 74, from the Dennistoun area, said: "I'm going to definitely keep using the warm spaces initiative."
She went on to say how the service helps sociably as well as bill-wise.
Jean Hanratty, 69, also from the Dennistoun area, added: "It's helped me quite a lot already.
"Before this, I had shut down."
To contact Milnbank Housing Association click HERE or call them on 0141 551 8131.
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