Braintree District Council has been working with community partners to put together an interactive map and detailed list of Warm Spaces throughout the district.
With increasing energy bills, many people are avoiding or simply cannot afford to put their heating on. Warm Spaces are an initiative that has been followed throughout the country to provide a warm and welcoming environment where people can meet others, take part in activities, enjoy a warm drink and other facilities as well as a warm environment.
Information on the dedicated webpage provides information about location, days and times, details of the activity, who to contact for further information and if there is any cost involved. The map will allow residents to find where warm spaces are in their surrounding area to find what is available nearest to them.
Essex County Council recently announced that all Essex Libraries are becoming warm spaces under the scheme ‘Warm Welcomes’ where residents can visit them to keep warm, get advice and information and attend clubs and activities such as arts and crafts and homework club.
Essex County Council also announced a Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund to provide small grants to support warm spaces. Grants of up to £1000 are available to support the provision of Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces and activities for local communities in Essex. These can be the creation of new spaces and activities or to support existing ones.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The Warm Spaces index shows just how many community groups are coming together in the district to support those struggling to heat their homes this winter. We hope people can make use of these warm spaces, not only to keep heating bills low but to enjoy free activities and meeting people in their local community.”
Visit https://www.braintree.gov.uk/community/debt-management-cost-living/8 for the Warm Spaces Index.
Braintree District Council are keen to list as many warm spaces as possible on our map. Residents are being encouraged to get in touch if there is there a warm space in their community that isn’t listed on our map and if communities would like advice about providing a warm space this can be provided.
Warm Spaces that are not listed can contact [email protected] with information about their scheme to be added.
