Warm Welcome Spaces in Birmingham
Warm Welcome spaces are vibrant local groups bringing people together and strengthening community.
Warm Welcome spaces are open to all, inclusive and non-judgemental. They provide free, safe, comfortable and welcoming places where people can come together to take part in activities, access services, get practical advice and support, as well as meet members of their community.
Warm Welcome is not just for winter, spaces are available to use and visit year-round.
The offer at each space will vary but may include:
- information, support and guidance (for example on money and debt, energy saving and health and wellbeing)
- opportunities to participate in activities and learn new things
- free internet access, computers and charging points
- a cup of tea or coffee or warm meal
- a friendly environment to connect with others within the community
The Warm Welcome network is a partnership with local community, voluntary sector and faith organisations from across Birmingham. There are more than 200 Warm Welcome spaces across the city including libraries, community hubs, places of worship, leisure centres and cafes. You can find local space here: Find a Warm Welcome
One of the aims of Warm Welcome spaces is to offer hospitality and connection; connecting people to each other, services, wellbeing activity, opportunity, and warmth.
Over 90% of Birmingham residents are now within a 15-minute walk from their nearest Warm Welcome Space, and we are delighted that these spaces enable much more than just warmth. Each of these offer a free welcoming space to their local community, where people can come to meet new people, have free refreshments, take part in activities, access services, be signposted and get practical advice and support.
Many different faith, charities and community groups have come together to help create this community safety net during this difficult Cost-of-Living Crisis. They are all different, reflecting their community but all have signed up to the same values and principles charter.
If you are already part of a group and would like to join the network, or would like to start a Warm Welcome group, please contact:
Community and faith organisations are asked to sign up to our charter and register their activity at:
https://forms.office.com/r/BTiuqhfZVz
It has become clear that this is a long-term solution to help strengthen and build resilience amongst Birmingham’s Communities. So far, many lives have been enriched and people helped, thanks to these spaces.
Birmingham Warm Welcome Spaces are here for the foreseeable future. Why not visit your local one soon!
Thrive are now working with Cadent to support 10 specialist Warm Welcome Centres known as ‘Cadent Centres for Warmth’, to grow their work around energy efficiency and energy safety.
For further information or support please contact the Thrive team:
Fred Rattley: fredr@cofebirmingham.com or Louise White: LouiseW@thrivetogetherbham.org