Example of using community asses: warm spaces

With cost-of-living increases affecting our population community venues all over the county such as village halls, community centres, libraries as well as churches and other faith groups, are responding and opening themselves up as ‘Warm Spaces’ for residents to spend time, have a warm drink and socialise.

Nationally, many community organisations have joined the Warm Welcome Network. Gloucestershire is no different and the county council have a dedicated webpage as part of the Support Hub with information on Warm Spaces, including guidance on how to set one up.

Libraries are traditionally a place where people can go without judgement or cost and Gloucestershire’s Libraries will be offering a free, warm and welcoming space in local communities across the county. Not all libraries are the same, but all locations will provide an offer of the following:

• Warm, dry buildings with spaces to sit and keep warm
• Free access to the internet and wi-fi
• Places to charge your devices
• Signposting to advice and support
• Free activities such as homework help, knit and natter, library clubs
• Distribution or collection hubs for food, clothing etc
• Provision of hot drinks where this is possible

Each district council has information on their websites about the support available regarding the cost of living as well as signposting to local warm spaces.