Luton Borough Council

28/10/2022 - Could you host a warm space for your community this winter?

Luton Council is inviting community organisations to host warm, friendly spaces for local people this winter and is providing funding to help cover their costs.

Warm spaces are places where anyone can find a safe, accessible and warm environment during the day to help reduce the cost of heating their own homes and to meet up with friends and neighbours.

Mark Fowler, Corporate Director for Population Wellbeing, said: “With winter fast approaching and the extra financial pressures on keeping warm, Luton Fairness Taskforce is launching a network of warm spaces across the town to help support local people through the cost of living crisis that is having such a huge impact on all of our lives.

“We are looking for community groups that could host a warm, friendly space to come forward and apply for funding from Luton Council to join the network of other organisations that have already pledged to open warm spaces this winter.”

Warm spaces may offer hot drinks, snacks or even a hot meal with some also providing activities such as exercise, or arts and cultural activities.

Some warm spaces also allow people to get advice and support services on issues from managing money, health and well-being or getting online. This may be by hosting staff from the council or staff and volunteers from the organisation or other groups.

Organisations that could offer a warm friendly space are asked to contact [email protected] with the following info: name, phone and email of lead person; address and postcode; times and days available. We will then be in touch.

Following an initiative by and with funding from Martin Lewis, the money saving expert, CILIP, the professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers, has produced a guide - 'Setting up a warm space in your community' that will be helpful to any organisation looking to set up a warm and safe space this winter.