Bradford Council and the district’s voluntary and community sector are developing a network of ‘Warm Spaces’ to help residents during the cost of living crisis.
The Warm Spaces, spread across the district, are places where people can go, free of charge, to spend time during the day or evenings to keep warm if they are struggling to heat their homes. Many venues will also offer additional facilities such as hot drinks, free wi-fi, activities and access to information and advice.
The Council’s libraries, the Industrial Museum and Bolling Hall Museum are already signed up and the council is inviting voluntary, community and social enterprise groups to join the Warm Spaces programme. Organisations can apply for a small grant of £500 or £1000 to help set up or improve an already existing Warm Space for their community this winter. Businesses can also register on the Warm Spaces website.
Everyone can find information about their nearest Warm Space by going to the online Warm Spaces directory.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “We know that the cost of heating their home is a huge concern for many people as we head into winter. We don’t want anyone to be struggling in the cold so are encouraging people to come and use one of the Warm Spaces offered by the council or the many great community groups we are fortunate to have throughout our district. A warm welcome is guaranteed.
“I would ask any local organisations who are already offering this type of service to their community to register as a Warm Space and be added to the directory so that people who may not already know about the support, can find them.
“We expect many more venues to be added to the Warm Spaces directory in the coming weeks so encourage people to keep checking the website to find the one most convenient to them.”
The Warm Spaces initiative is just one of the ways Bradford Council is working with partners to support struggling residents this winter. Along with Community Action Bradford & District and our Health and Care Partnership the council has set up the website costoflivingbradford.co.uk where residents can find out how they can access support with the cost of living crisis. Together they have also produced a booklet ‘Cost of living: Support in the Bradford District’, copies of which will be available in local libraries, community centres, GP practices, food banks and information centres over the coming weeks.
The website and booklet include a range of topics to help people including information about government support; energy and bills; food resources; housing support; savings; scams and safeguarding; volunteering; looking after your mental wellbeing; things to do and other helpful websites.
