‘Horrifying but necessary’: council-supported ‘warm spaces’ to open amid cost of living crisis

Picture by Ergyn Meshekran

By Simon Bristow

Hull’s first “warm spaces” will open on Monday as the city council seeks to alleviate the cost of living crisis.

The venues offer a warm, safe space for residents to spend time, have company, and get hot drinks free of charge.

But although the authority views them as necessary, city council leader Mike Ross described the need for them as “horrifying”.

The council-supported venues include Jubilee Church in the city centre, libraries, St Michael’s Youth Project, and the Community Trust, which will be using space at the Freedom Centre.

Hull City Council said: “All council-supported spaces have safeguarding policies in place and have agreed to a charter focused on mutual respect and safety.”

The council’s warm spaces scheme launched earlier this month and it is hoped more organisations including charities, faith groups and residents’ associations will apply to take part. Successful applicants receive funding to help them implement their warm space plan. Applications can be made online.

Other warm spaces already operational in Hull include churches and community spaces.

Coun Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is horrifying that in the 21st century we are even having to consider schemes like ‘warm spaces’. In this day and age everyone should be able to stay warm in their own home.

“But sadly, the cost of living crisis means the creation of council-supported warm spaces has to be part of our action plan.

“This is a national crisis and only national action will solve it. But locally we are determined to do what we can to help people through it wherever we can.

“We have worked quickly and closely with groups in the voluntary, community and business communities to ensure that people across the city have a warm space to turn to.

“The council and other organisations have worked collaboratively to ensure warm spaces are safe, welcoming and inclusive. With the first wave opening on Monday, our next priority is encouraging more organisations and businesses to come forward, so we can ensure a range of provision throughout the city.

“My thanks go to all those who have stepped up and are willing to be part of the scheme”.

The development of an interactive map, which will be updated in real-time to show all warm spaces around the city, is currently in its final stages and is expected to be live on the council website shortly.

Monday will also see the launch of the Winter Warmth Community Grants scheme, facilitated by voluntary sector organisation Forum and supported by the council.

The scheme offers grants from £1,000 to £10,000 to support residents to stay warm and well over the winter and to the end of March 2023. Suitable projects could include warm clothing banks, running activities in  warm space venues, and funding for items such as electric blankets or slow cookers.

Funding for warm spaces is provided by the council, with the community grants scheme funded by donations from local businesses, including £50,000 from Fortem, which installs energy-saving measures in homes, and £33,000 from regeneration specialists Efficiency North.

Applications to register as a warm space can be made here.

For more information about Winter Warmth Grants, or to apply, email jane.thompson@nbforum.org.uk. Applications must be submitted by November 14.

Any businesses able to donate or offer other support can email business.engagement@hullcc.gov.uk.