Warm Spaces Resources
Warm Spaces are places in the community where people can go which are, first and foremost, warm and welcoming. Spaces offer hot drinks and often snacks or other food options. Some spaces may offer engaging activities, or signpost visitors to support services in the community.
The cost-of-living crisis and other global circumstances have left many people with limited means, often being forced to choose between heating and eating. In many communities, local groups and community organisations come together to support each other during the colder months.
Community groups and hubs can offer warm spaces as part of their regular activities. Most groups are organised by volunteers from the community to work within the community. Other groups such as libraries, churches or other faith groups may open up their buildings during the more difficult cold winter months.
Creative Sustainability is facilitating support for Warm Spaces this winter in partnership with Stroud District Council and other organisations across the District. We provide information and advice on organising your warm space provision, and a fiscal hosting service and fundraising platform.
Funding platform
Creative Sustainability is hosting a funding platform via Open Collective called Stroud District Warm Spaces. Register your space as a collective using this step by step guide. We contribute an initial sum of money from Stroud District Council and we will work with the spaces to solicit further funding from general funders and local community supporters. View the document here on how to claim your expenses.
COMING SOON How to promote your fundraising page on Open Collective
Guidance on setting up and running a space
- An inclusive welcome – how to make your space welcome and inclusive
- A step-by-step starting guide from WarmWeclome
- Setting up a warm space in your community – tips and guidance commissioned by Martin Lewis, the money-saving expert
- Warm Spaces Charter to edit for your space
- Accessibility guidelines on making readable documents
Policies and sample documents
- Food safety and hygiene – guidance from Stroud District Council’s Environmental Health team
- Risk assessment :
- Safeguarding Factsheet and Sample policy
- Data Protection/GDPR Guidance
- Public liability insurance Guidance
Training
Free training available for community groups and volunteers across Stroud District.
- Read how to access Stroud District Council’s e-learning portal.
- Access Gloucestershire County Council’s LearnPro e-Learning portal.
Signposting sheets
- Worrying about Money? – leaflet on how to access support and financial advice in Stroud and Cotswolds districts
- Mental Health leaflet – easy to read, printable leaflet containing key contacts for the public on mental health support available in the county
- Mental Health (Adults) – key contacts for mental health services for adults
- Mental Health (C&YP) – key contacts for mental health services for children and young people
- Helping people through emotional distress – a guide commissioned by GCC during the pandemic to help professionals and volunteers understand mental health disorders, how to spot them and the most effective means of support