An initiative to help combat loneliness and the cost-of-living crisis across the UK is being run at Dumfries House.

Hundreds of people from the local community are enjoying free hot drinks and soup, and practising sociable activities, as part of the scheme, run by The Prince’s Foundation.

Starting in January and running until March, the weekly initiative provides a welcoming place for local people to gather and offers a warm haven for those who may not be able to heat their own homes amid the rising energy costs.

Such has been the demand the free tickets have already sold out for all sessions.

Cumnock Chronicle: The Prince's Foundation's scheme aims to help those in the community. (Image: PA)The Prince's Foundation's scheme aims to help those in the community. (Image: PA) (Image: NQ Archive)

Footage of a Winter Warmers event showed members of the local community seated at round tables, tucking into bowls of soup and having cups of tea, as they chatted, with some making wool pompoms as part of a craft activity.

Emily Cherrington, executive director of The Prince’s Foundation, says she hopes the groups can act as an escape for many people who may be struggling at the minute.

She said: “Since establishing The Prince’s Foundation’s integrated health and wellbeing programme in May 2016, we have run many initiatives to help strengthen communities.

“At a particularly hard time for many, we felt we had the capacity in the quieter winter months to utilise our spaces to benefit those in the surrounding communities, many of whom perhaps cannot afford to heat their homes or whom may not have the opportunity for social interaction.

“We hope that by offering a space for people at these three communities across the UK to meet for a cup of tea and some enjoyable activities, we can play a small part in ensuring our guests benefit from some warmth and friendship each week.”