Dorking Sports Centre offers warm space to residents

The Warm Spaces Scheme gives residents the opportunity to chat with others and enjoy a hot cup of tea

Dorking residents affected by the cost of living crisis are being offered a warm space at the town's sports centre.

A Warm Spaces scheme has been launched to offer a hot drink, comfortable seating, a shower and Wi-Fi.

There are plans to expand the project, run by social enterprise GLL, which operates the Better brand, to Leatherhead Leisure Centre.

An estimated 13.4% of households were living in fuel poverty in 2022, according to a government report.

Since then, energy prices have soared and now stand at an average of £1,928 per year.

GLL's Warm Spaces project is aligned with Mole Valley District Council's Warm Hubs, giving residents the opportunity to chat with members of the community and staff.

Lea Benn, general manager at Dorking Sports Centre, said staff had become aware that a number of residents were worried about heating their homes this winter, so wanted to help.

"Our staff will be on hand to offer a warm welcome to anyone wishing to make the most of our warm space during the difficult months ahead," she said.

The warm hub at the Dorking Sports Centre, in Reigate Road, runs from 07:00 GMT until 19:00 GMT every Sunday.

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