Sefton Council Launches Warm Spaces Network Amid Cost of Living Crisis

Sefton’s Warm Spaces are safe, warm places where people can go to connect with others, take part in activities and maybe enjoy a cup of tea.

Around 40 locations
Warm Spaces are based in around 40 locations such as community centres, community hubs and libraries across the Borough. Free Wi-Fi is available at some locations.

People can find the location of Sefton’s Warm Spaces, what days they are open and what services and facilities available at https://seftoncvs.org.uk/warmspaces .

They can use an interactive map to find out exact locations and use a day-by-day-guide to see what is available.

Cost of living crisis 
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “In the face of the growing national cost of living crisis, we worked with Sefton CVS and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across the Borough, to establish the Warm Spaces Network.

“With rocketing prices and sky-high fuel charges, we knew there were people who would be afraid to put on their heating and creating the Warm Spaces provided somewhere they could go.

“While I am pleased that we have been able to put a network in place to help people survive the winter-time, I am appalled that, through no fault of their own, families across Sefton and across the country, are facing such levels of hardship and need the lifeline that Warm Spaces provide.”

In response to feedback last winter, from April Sefton’s Warm Spaces became a network of Welcome Spaces. People could still go to welcome Spaces for some company, a drink and bite to eat and the chance to take part in activities which included games and quizzes.

Welcome Spaces
Angela White, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS said: “Over the summer, 14 organisations provided almost 350 Welcome Spaces sessions, at which there were over 5,100 attendances mostly by people falling into the 65 to 75 age group.

“As we move back to Warm Spaces, we have recommissioned 22 providers, but that number is expected to expand to 40.

“I would encourage anyone in Sefton who is concerned about the cost of heating their home this winter to find out where their nearest Warm Space is, by visiting https://seftoncvs.org.uk/warmspaces .”

Links
People Sefton struggling with the Cost of Living crisis can find advice and support at www.sefton.gov.uk/cost-of-living and from www.sefton.gov.uk/seftonsupporthub.

Local Sefton libraries, which themselves host Warm  provide is free computer, Internet and Wi-Fi access at for those who have  difficulty accessing online services. Additionally, anyone struggling to apply online can contact the Council’s Contact Centre on 0345 140 0845.