Over 14.4 million people live in poverty in the UK and over 7 million people experience chronic loneliness. Last winter, hundreds of churches signed up to provide warm spaces for people in local communities, providing social connection and warmth. In 2023, with the cost-of-living crisis still affecting millions of people, the need of such spaces is greater than ever.
Launched last week, the Warm Welcome Campaign aims to grow their network of over 7,000 Warm Welcome Spaces so that when the clocks go back, everyone can access warm and welcoming space.
If your church plans to become a warm space, register your space on the Warm Welcome campaign website. People will then be able to see your space on a map, and you can receive resources and support. You can also sign up to volunteer at a Warm Welcome Space near you.
You can also read some guidance on our website if you are considering becoming a Warm Welcome Space, and hear about a church in New Marston that ran a Winter Hub in their parish hall.