East Suffolk Council
A Warm Welcome for everyone
A network of venues offering residents a warm, safe space to socialise over the winter has reopened for the second year.
East Suffolk Council’s Warm Welcomes (formerly Warm Rooms) scheme has now relaunched, with more than 20 village halls, churches and community hubs providing a warm space and an opportunity to connect with other members of the local community.
Last year, Warm Rooms operated over the winter months to provide warm, friendly spaces across East Suffolk. This winter, the rooms have been rebranded as Warm Welcomes following feedback received by those using the service, and the host venues.
Part-funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Warm Welcomes provide a safe and welcoming space where members of the community, including people who may be struggling with the cost of heating their homes, can come to meet with others and access information about additional support available in the community.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “Warm Welcomes provide people of all ages with a safe space to visit to meet others from their community, take part in activities and find out more about other types of support available in their local area.”
Earlier this year, community groups interested in joining the Warm Welcomes programme were encouraged to apply for grant funding. Venues must be open for at least 8 hours per week and the funding can be used as a contribution towards energy costs, refreshments, food, activities and the purchase or hire of resources such as craft materials.
Find your nearest Warm Welcome.
East Suffolk Council understands the pressures faced by many people today and is working closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure support is available to help ease the squeeze for households in East Suffolk: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/squeeze