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A chapel in Rhymney is running a warm space for people in the community and is expecting it to ‘pick up’ now that things are getting colder. 

Penuel chapel is located on King Edward Terrace and is one of three churches in Rhymney that are opening up to the public to provide heated areas in order to help save people money on their bills after energy prices have risen.

Meryl Darkins, secretary of the chapel, described the weekly event and said: “We put the heating on in the vestry and we provide tea, coffee and biscuits.

“[People are welcome] just to come in and have a chat.” People are assured of a “warm welcome”, whether they want a chat or if they simply want somewhere to go if they are feeling isolated or lonely. 

Other churches in Rhymney which are also opening their doors include Cavalry chapel on Havard’s Row, Rhymney and St David’s church on 119 High Street, Rhymney.

Though the space is open to everyone, the chapel is not yet seeing big numbers. 

“It’s quite slow at the moment,” said Meryl, adding that she expects this to change with the weather changing.  “It’s colder now and people are starting to get their heating bills.

“We’re expecting it to pick up.”

Penuel recently received a £75 grant from the Rhymney community council and they plan to put it to good use by investing in items that can help keep people warm for longer periods of time. 

“[We’re] thinking of maybe some hot water bottles to give out to people who haven’t got one,” said Meryl, who added that it would be a benefit to offer an item someone could take home with them.

“[We’re] also thinking about thermos flasks,” she added, the idea being that people will only have to use their kettle once and still have warm water on hand. 

Penuel chapel is “open for everybody in the community” and the next warm space will take place on December 13 from 10am to 1pm.