Warm Spaces

Warm Spaces are places where people can gather for free in a warm, safe place.

One of the ways that many churches are choosing to respond is by setting up their venue as a warm space for people who are struggling to afford to heat their homes. There are a range of national initiatives, county/local authority-led city, town and neighbourhood or local area/village campaign – whatever comes naturally from geographical or cultural identities, or from established relationships. Some of the local authority campaigns are not currently up and running but will be shortly - we will update this guide as and when they are public.

To support the effort Wellsprings Together have produced a Cost of Living toolkit for churches with lots of helpful information including some top tips for opening a Warm Space along with information about the local provisions of Warm Spaces in your area. Find more information and our toolkit here.

National Campaign

Warm Welcome which has a national map and the opportunity for you to register your Warm Space.

Local Campaigns

Bradford Warm Spaces

Bradford Council has a warm spaces directory. All organisations offering a warm space in the district are encouraged to register to be included on the site. There is the offer of small grants of £500 or £1,000 available if you want to expand your current warm space offer or create a new one. The closing date for applications is the 30th October. They also have a Warm Spaces Communications Toolkit including brand logo, plus posters, flyers and other items to support you in advertising your warm space.

Wakefield Warm Spaces
Wakefield Council have a directory of warm spaces, click here to access it.

Leeds Warm Spaces

Leeds City Council has launched a directory and map of Warm Spaces, click here to access it. You can also upload your own space there. Liaising with your Local Community Anchor would be a good place to start.

North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire County Council (changing to North Yorkshire Council in April 2023).

A directory of Warm Spaces is due to be published by December, with Community Support Organisations tasked with the mapping and inclusion of relevant organisations. We will update you on any support from Harrogate and Richmondshire Councils in due course.

Warm Spaces directory in Craven - click here. Cost of living advice for Craven - click here.

Calderdale

The local authority are working the Community Foundation to offer small grants. We will update in due course.