FAMILIES in need are being given free home-cooked meals thanks to volunteers on Walney.

Community hub Spring Mount in Amphitrite Street offers a range of free activities and support groups.

Run as a collaboration between Walney Community Trust and Spring Mount Church, the centre has seen a huge growth in visitors, particularly at its homework club and free family meal nights.

Spring Mount is a church-based registered charity which has established two community hubs - the Salthouse Pavilion in Salthouse Road and the Walney centre.

The group sessions and activities are aimed at everyone from the community.

Every Monday and Saturday families are welcome to drop in and enjoy a free home-cooked meal at tea time from 5.30pm until 8pm.

On Saturday December 7 and Saturday December 14 the meals will have a festive party theme. Monday December 16 will be the centre’s community Christmas meal.

Around 50 people come through the doors with the sessions run by volunteers including youth development worker Alysha Moore.

“A lot of the work we do is aimed at trying to provide fun and educational activities for young people,” she said.

“We try and look for new ways to engage with young people and we’re also working with schools on Walney and across Barrow who send pupils here for sessions during the day.”

The community centre, opposite the Co-op, hosts youth clubs every night from Tuesday to Friday, a toddler group on Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10am until 11.30am, life skills and money courses, and community cafes.

One of the mums at the family meal last Monday, who took her two kids for a tea of chilli, rice and nacho chips, said there are lots of benefits.

“It’s not just for families who might be struggling financially,” the 35-year-old said.

“Some families can be isolated and not have many community ties so these meals help you to make new friends and give mums and dads a break.

“Especially at this time of year, when you’re trying to save up to buy Christmas presents, and the nights are darker earlier, it’s brilliant to be able to come along.”

Anyone who would like to attend any of the sessions or groups at Spring Mount can email alysha@springmount.church for more information.

Spring Mount is currently looking for adult volunteers to help out with homework clubs on Wednesdays between 3pm and 5pm (term-time).

Anyone who is able to help is asked to email jeff@springmount.church to volunteer.