Find a Warm Space near you
Gateshead Council has launched its Warm Spaces directory, a list of places across the borough where residents can go to stay warm this winter.
The council has published the directory in the same week as the government announced that the typical household energy bill will be capped at £2,500 per year from 1 October, a saving of around £1,000 per year on the previously announced price cap. However, for many families and individuals across Gateshead, this figure - alongside the rising cost of food and other essentials - remains simply unaffordable.
The network of Warm Spaces is made up of libraries, community centres, church halls, sports clubs and other places that are opening their doors to anyone who needs them. Many of these venues also offer activities and opportunities to socialise, but people who are simply looking for somewhere warm and comfortable to sit are welcome too. The online directory enables residents to choose a Warm Space based on its location, opening hours and the facilities on offer, such as free wifi, device charging, TVs, book borrowing and toy corners.
The organisations taking part have all signed up to the Warm Spaces charter, which was developed in collaboration with the Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission. The charter guarantees that everyone who visits a Warm Space will be welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. No one will ask visitors why they are there, but anyone who chooses to share their reasons for needing a Warm Space will be listened to without judgement.
Alison Dunn, Service Director for Voluntary and Community Sector Development, said: "The idea behind Warm Spaces is to give people a way to not only save on their energy bills, but also give them the option of having a chat with others, enjoying a hot drink and perhaps trying something new if they want to. We know that many people across the borough, whether they're working or not, are worried about making ends meet this winter. It's an extremely stressful and often lonely time for people and bringing the community together, in a warm and comfortable place, can help with that too.
We've had a fantastic response from voluntary and community groups in the area, many of which already offered this kind of facility. We provided small grants for many of these partners, which have been used to make their spaces more inviting for visitors in a wide range of ways - from making seating areas more comfortable and improving catering facilities to buying indoor games."
The initial application window for small grants closed on 29 July, but another round of funding may be available later in the year. Anyone with a venue that could be used as a Warm Space is encouraged to register as soon as possible, to help the directory grow bigger in time for the winter months.
The Warm Spaces initiative has been developed in partnership with Citizens Advice Gateshead, the Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission and Connected Voice.
Gateshead Council has launched its Warm Spaces directory, a list of places across the borough where residents can go to stay warm this winter.
The council has published the directory in the same week as the government announced that the typical household energy bill will be capped at £2,500 per year from 1 October, a saving of around £1,000 per year on the previously announced price cap. However, for many families and individuals across Gateshead, this figure - alongside the rising cost of food and other essentials - remains simply unaffordable.
The network of Warm Spaces is made up of libraries, community centres, church halls, sports clubs and other places that are opening their doors to anyone who needs them. Many of these venues also offer activities and opportunities to socialise, but people who are simply looking for somewhere warm and comfortable to sit are welcome too. The online directory enables residents to choose a Warm Space based on its location, opening hours and the facilities on offer, such as free wifi, device charging, TVs, book borrowing and toy corners.
The organisations taking part have all signed up to the Warm Spaces charter, which was developed in collaboration with the Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission. The charter guarantees that everyone who visits a Warm Space will be welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. No one will ask visitors why they are there, but anyone who chooses to share their reasons for needing a Warm Space will be listened to without judgement.
Alison Dunn, Service Director for Voluntary and Community Sector Development, said: "The idea behind Warm Spaces is to give people a way to not only save on their energy bills, but also give them the option of having a chat with others, enjoying a hot drink and perhaps trying something new if they want to. We know that many people across the borough, whether they're working or not, are worried about making ends meet this winter. It's an extremely stressful and often lonely time for people and bringing the community together, in a warm and comfortable place, can help with that too.
We've had a fantastic response from voluntary and community groups in the area, many of which already offered this kind of facility. We provided small grants for many of these partners, which have been used to make their spaces more inviting for visitors in a wide range of ways - from making seating areas more comfortable and improving catering facilities to buying indoor games."
The initial application window for small grants closed on 29 July, but another round of funding may be available later in the year. Anyone with a venue that could be used as a Warm Space is encouraged to register as soon as possible, to help the directory grow bigger in time for the winter months.
The Warm Spaces initiative has been developed in partnership with Citizens Advice Gateshead, the Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission and Connected Voice.
