Council opens up warm spaces – with a map
Warm spaces are being opened up in West Berkshire as the cold snap hits the region.
West Berkshire Council is supporting communities to stay warm and enjoy some company, a hot drink and get some advice from partner organisations on local support such as foodbanks and the Government’s Household Support Fund.
There are currently 21 Community Welcome Spaces across West Berkshire.
During the pandemic, the council teamed up with community groups to co-produce a special Connecting Communities Together map which shows all the Community Welcome Spaces.
Janine Lewis (Con, Tilehurst and Purley), portfolio holder for public health, culture, leisure, sport and countryside, said: “The map is a brilliant, dedicated resource that helps people to access the support they need locally and bring local community groups and organisations who offer help, support and opportunities to connect with others together.
“Isolation and loneliness are the cause of many health issues and people can feel more cut off in the cold weather.
“More and more people are using the Welcome Spaces as places to enjoy a social get together, which can be a godsend, particularly in the long winter months.
“ We want to create even more Welcome Spaces in West Berkshire and are asking communities and organisation to get in touch if they have a space that could be used.”
Find the locations and information on when the welcome spaces are open here.