More than a Warm Space
As summer is almost within reach, it feels opportune to reflect on all that's happened with Gateshead Warm Spaces over the last few winter months.
Gateshead has 95 Warm Spaces across the borough - all of which offer, at the very least, somewhere free, safe and friendly to sit with a cuppa. Some Warm Spaces provide free hot meals, others put on activities such as bingo and movie afternoons, some deliver exercise classes, and others have play areas to keep children occupied too. Regardless of the offer, all Warm Spaces share a commitment to warmly welcoming anyone in the community through their doors.
With special thanks to our Warm Space providers - many of whom are volunteers - who work so hard to ensure their local communities are supported. Across winter 2023/24, we hosted a series of training sessions for Warm Space staff and volunteers to attend, featuring workshops on Fuel Poverty, Digital Inclusion, Tackling Social Isolation and Food Hygiene training. Each session welcomed on average 40 attendees, showing the keen interest there is amongst volunteers to learn from each other and ensure they're informed on where to signpost residents who might want support with issues such as energy bills, managing finances and mental health wellbeing.
Warm Spaces in Gateshead have also been hugely supported by Citizens Advice Gateshead, whose Energy Specialist Advisers delivered 16 Energy Roadshows throughout February and March (funded by The National Lottery). Providing free and impartial advice on issues such as insulation, housing repairs and the Warm Home Discount, the team spoke to 211 people and arranged multiple follow up appointments to provide further support.
In addition to the social support that Warm Spaces have offered this winter, the council also funded 1,000 Winter Warmer packs to support residents who're struggling to afford high energy bills. Advertised via Warm Spaces and distributed at Citizens Advice hubs, the warmer packs contained items such as hooded blankets, low energy light bulbs and microwaveable heat packs to help people stay warm and mobile at home. It was fantastic to hear how appreciated the packs were, receiving feedback that 'they flew out the door as quickly as they came in', have put smiles on people's faces, and even brought tears to some eyes.
What has become apparent over the last few months is that people might well come for the Warm Space, but they stay for the warm welcome, and it's great to see that most Warm Spaces intend to stay open throughout the summer months.
Find a Warm Space near to you. You'll be more than welcome to attend!
And if you need free advice on your energy and bills, Citizens Advice Gateshead (opens new window) are here to help.
As summer is almost within reach, it feels opportune to reflect on all that's happened with Gateshead Warm Spaces over the last few winter months.
Gateshead has 95 Warm Spaces across the borough - all of which offer, at the very least, somewhere free, safe and friendly to sit with a cuppa. Some Warm Spaces provide free hot meals, others put on activities such as bingo and movie afternoons, some deliver exercise classes, and others have play areas to keep children occupied too. Regardless of the offer, all Warm Spaces share a commitment to warmly welcoming anyone in the community through their doors.
With special thanks to our Warm Space providers - many of whom are volunteers - who work so hard to ensure their local communities are supported. Across winter 2023/24, we hosted a series of training sessions for Warm Space staff and volunteers to attend, featuring workshops on Fuel Poverty, Digital Inclusion, Tackling Social Isolation and Food Hygiene training. Each session welcomed on average 40 attendees, showing the keen interest there is amongst volunteers to learn from each other and ensure they're informed on where to signpost residents who might want support with issues such as energy bills, managing finances and mental health wellbeing.
Warm Spaces in Gateshead have also been hugely supported by Citizens Advice Gateshead, whose Energy Specialist Advisers delivered 16 Energy Roadshows throughout February and March (funded by The National Lottery). Providing free and impartial advice on issues such as insulation, housing repairs and the Warm Home Discount, the team spoke to 211 people and arranged multiple follow up appointments to provide further support.
In addition to the social support that Warm Spaces have offered this winter, the council also funded 1,000 Winter Warmer packs to support residents who're struggling to afford high energy bills. Advertised via Warm Spaces and distributed at Citizens Advice hubs, the warmer packs contained items such as hooded blankets, low energy light bulbs and microwaveable heat packs to help people stay warm and mobile at home. It was fantastic to hear how appreciated the packs were, receiving feedback that 'they flew out the door as quickly as they came in', have put smiles on people's faces, and even brought tears to some eyes.
What has become apparent over the last few months is that people might well come for the Warm Space, but they stay for the warm welcome, and it's great to see that most Warm Spaces intend to stay open throughout the summer months.
Find a Warm Space near to you. You'll be more than welcome to attend!
And if you need free advice on your energy and bills, Citizens Advice Gateshead (opens new window) are here to help.
