WOKINGHAM Borough Council is inviting organisations and groups within its boundaries to run warm spaces this winter.
The Hardship Alliance is coordinating the initiative to ensure anyone struggling to heat their homes has access to support close to where they live.
The spaces will allow residents to stay warm while their heating is off at home, while also maintaining social interactions over fun activities.
Support offered to visitors will include hot drinks, food, a place to charge devices, space to work, clothes washing or drying, and children’s play areas.
Emma Cantrell, chief executive officer of First Days Children’s Charity and member of the Hardship Alliance, said: “Wokingham Borough’s voluntary, community and faith sectors provide incredible help and support across the area.
“We want to support these groups to provide everything our community needs in the months ahead. Residents will want to use spaces near them and run by groups they know, so whatever part of the borough you are in, please do come forward.
“These spaces will be somewhere anyone can go, be treated fairly, get help if they need it and ensure those who need us most get the support they need.”
All the rooms will have access to support from a central hub, which supplies warm clothes, coats, blankets and other energy-saving household items.
Organisations providing spaces will be asked to open for extended periods on multiple days each week, likely until March or April next year.
The Hardship Alliance is made up of the council alongside its voluntary and community sector partners: Age UK Berkshire, Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Wokingham Foodbank and Wokingham United Charities.
Shinfield Parish Council launched its own warm hub on Monday, November 14, providing a weekly heated room in the School Green Centre for those looking to stay warm while their heating is turned off.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a free tea or coffee at the Tower Room on the building’s first floor, from 10am-4pm on Mondays.
The initiative will give residents the opportunity to catch up with friends or meet other members of the community over a board game or cards.
The room is kitted out with a large TV screen, which organisers hope could provide some additional entertainment. Visitors are also welcome to charge their phones using the sockets available.
Shinfield Parish clerk Bruce Winton said: “We want it to be a service to the community and for people to come along and use it. Unfortunately, there is a need for them and it’s sad that we have to do it, but we’re very happy, as a parish council, to be offering a service like this.
“We’ve got a wonderful building so it’d be great to make use of it for all the right reasons. I’m looking forward to saying hello to the residents in the coming days and weeks and getting to know a few of them as well. We want to be a good neighbour and I’d like to know my neighbours.
“We’re hoping it will help get others to come to the warm hub and encourage that community feel.”
Mr Winton suggested mild weather conditions could result in low initial turnouts, but expects numbers to rise as temperatures fall nearer to Christmas.
Help hub network Torch is organising warm banks in Earley and Lower Early seven days a week, rotating between the Salvation Army, St Nicholas, Lower Earley Baptist Church, Brookside and Trinity.
All of the council’s libraries have been earmarked as warm spaces during current opening hours throughout the winter. Residents will be able to access support at these locations.
Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “Local support by people who know our local communities best is the way forward.
“If you’re already making plans to offer a warm space in your area let us know so we can provide further support for you and people who come to visit in the months ahead. You’ll get the training and support you need as well as access to items which will help residents if they need them.”
Those wishing to run or volunteer at a warm space should visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk
