Warm Spaces Explained

As a reaction to the 2021–present United Kingdom cost of living crisis a large number of Warm Spaces initiatives were created. They generally look to reduce isolation and loneliness as well as providing physical warmth.^[1]

• Ceredigion County Council published a list of spaces with an interactive map which included the National Library of Wales.^[2]
• Flint Creative Collective in Norwich set up a website designed to signpost anyone in need of warmth & community, to a warm space to share with others.^[3]
• Gedling Borough Council and its community partners produced a list of essential warm spaces across the borough.^[4]
• The Good Faith Foundation, a network of 1,200 local churches and over 40 denominations, set up a Warm Welcome Campaign "provide a warm welcome for those struggling to heat their homes this winter. "^[5]
• Kingsley Healthcare announced that it would open up all 28 of its sites to support the national Warm Spaces initiative. Elderly people would be welcomed and will be offered unlimited hot drinks alongside soup and a roll if they attend at lunchtime.^[6]
• Leeds City Council established a network of Warm Spaces across Leeds including libraries, community centres, and community hubs.^[7]
• Sheffield City Council with Voluntary Action Sheffield set up an interactive map of 74 warm spaces across Sheffield, accessible to struggling members of the public.^[8]
• South Gloucestershire Council signed up 17 venues to its network but there were complaints that they were “totally insufficient” because they would not be open when they are needed most during evenings or weekends.^[9]
• Swindon Borough Council created 10 Warm and Welcome Spaces in Council-run and community venues.^[10]

Notes and References

1. News: 'Life-changing' warm spaces providing food and company to those in needs . 17 November 2022 . ITV . 16 November 2022.
2. News: Warm Welcome Spaces open in Ceredigion . 17 November 2022 . Cambrian News . 17 November 2022.
3. News: Warm bank directory launched to make it easier to find services . 17 November 2022 . Norwich Evening News . 8 September 2022.
4. News: List of all warm spaces available across Gedling borough for those struggling this winter . 17 November 2022 . Gedling Eye . 16 November 2022.
5. News: You are welcome . 17 November 2022 . Warm Welcome . 2022.
6. News: Suffolk care homes to become warm spaces as winter approaches . 17 November 2022 . Ipswich Star . 13 November 2022.
7. News: Warm Spaces . 17 November 2022 . Leeds City Council . 2022.
8. News: Sheffield warm hubs: Map of 74 places including library and church where you can go to stay warm this winter . 17 November 2022 . The Star . 15 November 2022.
9. News: Communal warm spaces 'not open when people need them most' . 17 November 2022 . Bristol Post . 17 November 2022.
10. News: Council calls for warm spaces to help with cost of living crisis . 17 November 2022 . Swindon Advertiser . 17 November 2022.