Funding boost creates more warm spaces in borough

Warm spaces offer people a place to socialise and take part in activities, to combat loneliness in the winter

More than 70 "warm places and welcoming spaces" will be open to the public around Telford this winter, after new funding was agreed.

Telford and Wrekin Council gave Shropshire Community Foundation £16,000 to support local community and volunteer groups to open the sessions.

As a result, 33 groups successfully applied for up to £500 each, increasing the number of spaces across the borough to 71 in total.

The spaces are warm and sociable environments to combat loneliness and give people a warm place to go in the winter.

Activities include community lunches, games, crafts and social chats.

"So often, adult loneliness can be a big challenge, particularly during the winter, so these welcoming spaces are providing a vital lifeline to so many people," said councillor Kelly Middleton, cabinet member for healthier, safer and stronger communities.

Similar schemes have operated since 2022, following the sharp rise in energy costs after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Warm welcome sessions are held at Madeley Baptist Church, offering friendship and companionship.

"People can come and enjoy the company, the games, the chat or whatever they want to do really," said June Hill, who helps run them.

They’re getting something warm if they need it, drinks and all different things."

As part of the scheme, hairdresser Josh Humphries holds free sessions at Arleston community centre.

"I think it's really important just to try and create a little bit of positivity in people's worlds," he said.

"I love making people feel the best version of themselves."