Warm Spaces: Tackling Winter Hardship with Community and Compassion

As the chill of winter creeps in and energy costs continue to soar, many across the UK face the daunting reality of choosing between heating their homes and affording other essentials. But amidst this hardship, a powerful movement is quietly transforming communities. One warm space at a time.

Welcome to the Warm Welcome UK campaign, a nationwide initiative that’s not just about warmth, but about hope, dignity, and connection.

What Is the Warm Welcome Campaign?

No one should be left out in the cold. Launched in response to the cost-of-living crisis, specifically rising energy costs, the campaign brings together thousands of organisations.

Churches, libraries, community centres and charities. All providing a warm space, opening their doors and facilities to anyone in need during the harsh winter months. These spaces provide more than just warm facilities, essentially, act as unique hubs where people can:

• Relax and recharge
• Enjoy a hot drink
• Connect with others
• Access support services
• Feel safe and valued

The Warm Spaces campaign is coordinated by a collation of partners. All of which believe in the power of community to tackle systematic challenges. National impact with growth at every year. Find out more about Warm Welcome Spaces.

Last winter (2024) the warm welcome spaces hosted “2.6 million visits across more than 5,300 spaces”.

The Importance Of Warm Spaces

Winter is a time when vulnerability spikes. For many, especially older adults, families with young children, and those living in fuel poverty, the colder months bring increased health risks and emotional strain. The Warm Welcome campaign steps in to bridge the gap between need and support. Warm spaces offers a lifeline for the above. These spaces reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

According to research by Warm Welcome Spaces, “70% of people say that since coming to a Warm Welcome Space they now never or rarely feel isolated“.

There are thousands of warm spaces registered across the UK, each listed on an interactive map that makes it easy for anyone to find a nearby location. Whether you’re rural or in a bustling city, there is an extremely high chance there is a warm space near you. The only requirement for entry? A willingness to step inside and be welcomed.

Cyd Innovation’s Role

As a social enterprise, reflecting our commitment to the social cause is pivotal, and done so through the 100 pledge towards a Warm Welcome For All. Cyd Innovation want to help the community. Nation-wide. We want to ensure everyone has access to a place of belonging. As advocates to the Warm Spaces Campaign, we want to encourage the possibility of ensuring that 100% of the population can find a Warm Welcome Space in their neighbourhood. In spaces where people of various cultures, backgrounds and faiths can come together within their communities. Over 60% of the UK live within a 30 minute walk of a Warm Space. Our aim? Increase the percentage of UK homes within walking distance.

We want to encourage an increase in sign-ups to the initiative, ensuring accessibility for all, across the nation.

You can help by registering as a Warm Welcome Space; it only takes a few minutes. Register here Sharing the Warm Welcome online map so everyone can find their local Warm Welcome Space. Find out how you can make your 100% Pledge for a Warm Welcome for All here.

Voices from the Community

“I was struggling to keep my flat warm and felt so alone. Then I found a warm space at my local church. Now I go every week. It’s changed my life.”

— Sandra, 67, Birmingham

“We started offering warm drinks and Wi-Fi at our library. The response was overwhelming. People just needed a place to feel human again.”

— Tom, Community Librarian, Cardiff

How will the 100% pledge change things?

• We’re asking everyone to make the 100% Pledge for a Warm Welcome for All By making the pledge, you can join us and help make sure:
• Everyone knows how to find their local Warm Welcome Space, 100%
• There’s a Warm Welcome Space in every neighbourhood community. Let’s change 62% of the population living within a 30-minute walk of a Warm Welcome Space to 100%
• Every Warm Welcome Space is accessible and inclusive to all,100%
• Every Warm Welcome Space has the resources to stay open all year round,100%