Warm Spaces: Supporting Our Communities This Winter

As temperatures drop and the cost of living continues to affect many households, Warm Spaces are playing a vital role in supporting people across our communities.

Warm Spaces are safe, welcoming places where anyone can go to keep warm, rest, and feel connected — without pressure to spend money. They are often hosted in familiar local venues such as community centres, libraries, faith buildings, cafés and voluntary organisations.

To help people find support close to home, a Warm Spaces Map has been created, bringing together locations offering warmth, comfort and community in one easy-to-use place.

View the Warm Spaces Map here

What Are Warm Spaces?

Warm Spaces offer more than just heating. Many provide:

• A warm, safe environment during cold weather
• A place to sit, rest, and recharge
• Opportunities to socialise and reduce isolation
• Access to information, advice or signposting
• Hot drinks, light refreshments, or activities (depending on the venue)

They are open to everyone, particularly people who may be struggling to heat their homes, experiencing loneliness, or needing a welcoming space during the day.

Why Warm Spaces Matter

For many people, winter can be challenging — especially for older residents, disabled people, families under financial pressure, and those living alone. Rising energy costs have made it harder to stay warm at home, and isolation can have a serious impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.

Warm Spaces help by:

• Reducing health risks linked to cold homes
• Supporting wellbeing and mental health
• Strengthening community connections
• Offering dignity, choice and reassurance

They are a simple but powerful example of communities coming together to care for one another.

Using the Warm Spaces Map
The Warm Spaces Map brings together a range of local venues offering warm, welcoming spaces. You can use it to:

• Find a Warm Space near you
• Check opening times and locations
• Share information with friends, family or clients
• Signpost people who may benefit from support

The map is regularly updated, and availability may vary, so we encourage people to check details directly with organisation before visiting.

Get Involved
Warm Spaces are made possible by the dedication of community groups, volunteers, faith organisations and local services. If your organisation is running a Warm Space and would like to be included on the map, or if you’re interested in setting one up, please get in touch with your local VCSE or community network.

Even small actions — offering a warm room, a friendly face, or a hot drink — can make a big difference.

Together, We Can Keep Our Communities Warm
Warm Spaces remind us that warmth is not just about temperature — it’s about kindness, connection and community. Whether you’re visiting a Warm Space, volunteering, or helping spread the word, you’re part of a collective effort to ensure no one faces the winter alone.

Please share the map widely and help ensure those who need support know where to find it.