Warm Hubs aim to support local people who may be at risk of fuel poverty or may be feeling lonely or isolated. A Warm Hub can be any community building and will provide a warm and friendly environment for people to socialise over refreshments and take part in activities.

Slate and Grain at Landale Court will open its doors as a Warm Hub during January and February each Wednesday to Sunday between the hours of 10am and 12noon, inviting local people over 55 to come inside and stay warm with a hot tea, filter coffee, or soup and bread roll for just £1, as well as providing information on heating their own homes more efficiently and other local support services.

Alastair Pegg, marketing director at Places for People, said: “People across Aberdeenshire – in particular older people – are facing high fuel bills and the prospect of not being able to stay warm. It’s a dreadful position to be in and we want to help as many people as we can in and around our Brio communities.

“We want to offer respite and ensure this demographic has somewhere that’s not only safe and warm, but somewhere in which they can socialise and enjoy their time.

“There is much to feel sad about as the cost-of-living crisis continues and we want to counter that with this positive initiative; we will host events and other activities at our developments too, helping give people things to look forward to during winter.”

Landale Court is a vibrant 94-home development expertly designed for residents over the age of 55, offering those seeking a fulfilling retirement with an array of facilities including a neighbourhood green, fire pit den, quiet garden as well as The Hub – the social heartbeat of the community filled with a hobby room, club room and the Slate & Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge.

Alastair added: “We have created a well-thought-out provision of amenities that provide customers with an array of life choices – be that active or relaxing – in a beautiful location where they can live life to the full, and it is our pleasure to extend this out to other older people in each Brio neighbourhood who may need to use our facilities this winter.”