View Stroud District Warm Spaces map for 2023/24

What is a warm space?

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.

Why do we need warm spaces?

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.

Who runs warms spaces?

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.

How can groups get support?

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

Download all funding

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

Download all guidance

• 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

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• Food safety and hygiene – guidance from Stroud District Council’s Environmental Health team
• Risk assessment :
  • Organisational
  • Space and activity-based
• Safeguarding Factsheet and Sample policy
• Data Protection/GDPR Guidance
• Public liability insurance Guidance

Training

Download all training

Free training available for community groups and volunteers across Stroud District.

1. Read how to access Stroud District Council’s e-learning portal.
2. Access Gloucestershire County Council’s LearnPro e-Learning portal.

Signposting sheets

Download all signposting

• 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