A project aimed at giving people a warm space to go to sit, socialise and have a cuppa is running in Slough.
The partnership is between the council, Slough Council for Voluntary Services, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), community groups, charities and organisations across the borough.
Warm Spaces are open to anyone and to provide one, your space must be warm, have a toilet for visitors, be able to provide hot drinks and have somewhere to sit.
In Slough, the team is looking for more places to sign up as a Warm Space.
Free starter packs of tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits, sponsored by SSEN, will be distributed to all groups who sign up to Warm Spaces Slough.
Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for social care and public health, said: “This is a brilliant national initiative, and I would love it to be a great success in Slough. If you have a space in your building or office which you think would fit the bill, please register on the One Slough directory and you’ll soon be welcoming people in and providing a valuable community service. Thank you to those already signed up.”
Vicki Atherton, Director of Operations at Slough CVS, said: "Slough CVS has teamed up with SBC to support places and groups offering warm spaces across Slough as the cold spell hits. We are all experiencing the cost-of-living crisis and Warm Spaces Slough offers a safe and welcoming place for everyone, to enjoy a free hot drink and a chat."
Mohammed Kamraiz, SSEN Customer and Community Advisor, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the community in Slough to stay warm this winter through a donation to the costs of running this hub. The cost of living crisis is affecting many people and at SSEN we know and value the importance of safe, warm spaces for communities to share this winter.
“We are offering advice to our customers in the event of a power cut and additional support is available for those who are more vulnerable, and I would encourage all customers to visit our website to find out more: Helping you prepare this winter - SSEN.”
The list of current Warm Spaces, operating now or soon to be, is below.
- Slough Baptist Church, Windsor Road
- Mondays 3-5pm starting on 9 January
- Wednesdays 11am-2pm starting on 4 January
- Slough Community Support Café, St John’s Church, Stoke Poges Lane
- Tuesdays 5-9pm
- Slough Community Support Café, St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Merton Road
- Thursdays 3.30-8pm
- Cippenham Carers Group, Cippenham Baptist Church, Elmshott Lane
- Third Wednesday of the month from 1-3pm
- Ujala Foundation, Manor Park Pavillion, Villiers Road,
- Tuesdays 10am-2pm and Thursdays 12noon-2pm.
- Home Slough is offering a warm space during their WOW Slough winter programme. All events will be held at The Curve. For dates and times visit HOME Slough's website.
- The Salvation Army Slough, Stoke Road
- Offering a warm space and refreshments at a coffee morning on Wednesday mornings 10am – 12noon
- Offering a warm space, refreshments, food, clothing and showers at their drop-in on Friday mornings 10am-12noon.
The Slough community support café is for all ages to have a simple meal, coffee, read newspapers or have a chat and there is space for children to play or complete homework. For more information, email office@communitycafe.uk or call Mark on 07817 829393.
If anyone is already running a Warm Space, or wants to register, submit a listing to detail what you can offer.
For local health and wellbeing activities, visit Slough’s health and wellbeing directory.
Keep an eye out for the Warm Spaces Slough logo on posters and in windows of more spaces as they sign up.
To find out more about the scheme and requirements, contact community.development@slough.gov.uk