Welcoming spaces to open their doors over winter

Warm, safe spaces are being made available for people to escape the cold this winter

Community organisations, charities and churches in Plymouth are to share a £100,000 funding pot so they can open their doors this winter.

The aim is to offer a warm, welcoming space from December to March, said Plymouth City Council.

Thirty four organisations in Plymouth will receive funding to open their doors for additional hours.

People can get a "warm, safe space to spend time in and many of them provide extras such as free wi-fi, cooking facilities, activities or refreshments", said the council.

'Geographical spread'

Among those taking part is Southway Community Group, which offers warm space for the whole community and the YMCA in Honicknowle which offers free hot drinks and games.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for housing, cooperative development and communities, said the welcoming spaces scheme "helped tackle social isolation and improve mental wellbeing".

“I’m really pleased that this year we’ve been able to fund more welcoming spaces than ever before, and we’ve tried to ensure that there is a wide geographical spread," he said.

There are more than 50 welcoming spaces listed on the council's website with venues ranging from libraries and wellbeing hubs to community centres and churches.