A housing association is looking to offer tenants a warm welcome this winter, as it aims to spread a little festive cheer.
Almond Housing Association has converted public space in its Livingston offices to the 'Big Living Room' - a place where residents can come along get warm and get support.
Jonathan Bertram from the Association revealed the changes in a meeting with the East Livingston and East Calder Local Area Committee.
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He told the meeting: “We have re-purposed our reception area to create ‘Big Living Room’ a warm, comfortable space for the community to use free of charge.
“Our partner organisations can use this space to provide sessions to help local people, running sessions including energy advice, welfare benefits, digital skills and cooking on a budget.”
With the Craigshill foodbank distribution now based in the Big Living Room Jonathan said; “This will support easier access as it minimises the distance local residents need to travel to collect food.”
The Association has prepared Winter Well-being packs for 250 of its most vulnerable tenants. These will be distributed through the Almond Enterprises team.
This month there will also be a toy delivery through the West Lothian Toy Appeal to ensure no child wakes up on Christmas morning without a gift. Christmas food deliveries from our Community Fridge partners will ensure tenants in need have access to food over the festive period.
Next week the Association kicks off festivities by hosting Christmas Open House in the Big Living Room on Friday between 1 and 3pm. There will be a free tombola, coffee and mince pies, as well as a visit from Santa.
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