County warm spaces project begins for third year

A map showing warm spaces across the county has been launched

A winter programme has begun to provide a warm hub and "vital safety net" for vulnerable people during the winter months.

Spark Somerset's Warm Welcome programme has returned for a third year, with the support of Somerset Council and organisations in the education, voluntary, faith and social enterprise sector.

Laura Bazley, from Spark Somerset, said the scheme offers a "lifeline" to people in the community "facing difficult choices between essentials like heating and food".

A Somerset Council spokesperson said it was "pleased to support" the project with the help of government funding.

The warm spaces offer a range of services including activities, tea and free wifi

The project includes an online map where people can find their local warm space.

Ms Bazley continued: "The project addresses critical challenges faced by individuals and communities, particularly during the cold months with rising energy costs and financial pressures.

"This initiative really provides a lifeline by offering a place of warmth, connection, and support, helping to ease the burden on those who might otherwise feel isolated or overwhelmed by these difficult choices - it's a vital safety net."

People who attend will have access to tea, free wifi, and a place to charge phones, "whilst others host activities like cooking classes, health walks, knitting circles to name just a few".

"We can also offer support to organisations and venues around recruiting volunteers for their spaces, finding, funding, and just really ensuring that the initiative meets the needs of the local community," she added.

Ms Bazley says the spaces offer a "vital" and needed "lifeline" to people who need extra support during the winter months

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: "Somerset Council’s ‘Help Through Winter’ campaign, funded by the government’s Household Support Fund, is supporting charities and organisations to help residents and families in need across Somerset between October 2024 and March 2025.

"With the help of community partners, Somerset Council is pleased to support various Warm Spaces in the county."