From affordable food and free activities to practical support, creative sessions and a friendly place to meet others, there are lots of reasons to pop to Down Town in Charter Walk this autumn.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family, trying to make your money go further, want to meet people or simply fancy a warm welcome and a bit of company, Down Town has something for you.
Family fun this autumn
October half term is a great time to pop Down Town, with free activities for families from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October.
Children can get hands-on with science, technology, engineering and maths during Have a Go at STEM! on Wednesday 28 October. The session, delivered with Burnley FC in the Community’s AllSySTEMSGo team, includes the chance to meet Sphero Indi, a programmable robot, and have a go at coding, problem-solving and practical challenges.
There are also simple, free ways to enjoy time together, including games, colouring and books.
Good food at great value
The Down Town Café is a welcoming place to enjoy a meal, meet friends or simply take some time for yourself.
During October half term, children aged up to 16 can enjoy a free breakfast from 9.30am to 11am, while £1 children’s lunches are available from 12pm to 1.30pm when accompanied by a paying adult.
And every Friday, you can enjoy the Soup & Sandwich Deal – homemade soup and a sandwich for just £6, available from 11.30am to 2pm.
Make your food budget go further
The Community Grocery at Down Town offers good-quality food at a fraction of the usual cost, helping you save money on your weekly shop.
You can also learn how to make your food budget stretch further at Foodie Fridays at the Down Town Cookery School. The friendly, hands-on sessions give you the chance to try new recipes, cook together and take home the food you make.
Sessions run on Fridays from 18 September to 16 October, with spaces limited.
Pre-loved clothing and school uniform
Need a few extra school uniform items? The pre-loved school uniform service at Down Town offers free-to-access uniform, including jumpers, trousers and skirts.
It can also be worth picking up a spare set – particularly during the wetter, muddier months!
For adults, Working Wardrobe provides pre-loved clothing suitable for interviews, starting a new job, returning to work, training or volunteering.
A place to meet people
Sometimes you just need somewhere to go and someone to talk to.
Down Town offers a range of opportunities to meet people and enjoy some company, including free Monday Tea & Biscuits, every Monday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
On Fridays, Nattershack starts from 10am, followed by Knit & Natter from 12pm. Bring your own knitting or craft project, or simply come along for the company.
There’s also a Craft Group for Wellbeing every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm, offering an afternoon of creativity, conversation and time for yourself. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome.
Get cosy and save money this winter
With colder weather on the way, Down Town is also a place to get free advice about keeping your home warm and reducing energy costs.
National Energy Action advisers are available on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12pm, offering free, confidential advice about energy bills, saving energy and managing costs.
There’s also a Keep Well in Winter event on Tuesday 6 October, with advice about keeping your home warm, saving money and making your home more energy efficient.
Find a good book – or a little time for yourself
The Down Town book nook is a relaxed place to browse, discover something new, have a read or swap a book you’ve enjoyed.
Or, if you fancy getting creative, you can Paint a Pot, enjoy a brew and make something to take home – a simple way to slow down and enjoy a bit of ‘me time’.
Get involved
Fancy trying something new or giving something back this autumn?
There are lots of volunteering opportunities at Down Town, including in the Community Grocery, Café and shop. It’s a chance to meet people, learn new skills, keep busy and make a difference in your community.
So, whatever your reason, why not pop Down Town this autumn?
From good food and family activities to friendship, practical support and opportunities to get involved, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you.
Visit Down Town
Down Town
Above New Look, Charter Walk, Burnley
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
01282 686402
contact@burnleytogether.org.uk