A joint project aimed at giving people a welcoming space to go locally where they can meet and socialise with others over a warm drink is now running in Slough.
The Warm Spaces partnership is between Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), Slough Borough Council, Slough Council for Voluntary Services, community groups, charities and organisations across the borough.
Warm Spaces are open to anyone and free starter packs of tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits have been sponsored by SSEN, to be distributed to all groups who sign up to Warm Spaces Slough.
Mohammed Kamraiz, SSEN Customer and Community Advisor, said:
“We are delighted to be able to help the community in Slough to stay warm this winter through a donation to the costs of running this hub.
“The cost of living crisis is affecting many people and at SSEN we know and value the importance of safe, warm spaces for communities to share this winter.
“We are offering advice to our customers in the event of a power cut and additional support is available for those who are more vulnerable, and I would encourage all customers to visit our website here to find out more.”
Councillor Natasa Pantelic, Cabinet member for Social Care and Public Health, said:
“This is a brilliant national initiative, and I would love it to be a great success in Slough. If you have a space in your building or office which you think would fit the bill, please register on the One Slough directory and you’ll soon be welcoming people in and providing a valuable community service. Thank you to those already signed up.”
Vicki Atherton, Director of Operations at Slough CVS, added:
"Slough CVS has teamed up with SBC to support places and groups offering warm spaces across Slough as the cold spell hits. We are all experiencing the cost-of-living crisis and Warm Spaces Slough offers a safe and welcoming place for everyone, to enjoy a free hot drink and a chat."
Warm Spaces, operating now or in the -new year months are:
- Slough Baptist Church, Windsor Road - Mondays 3-5pm starting on 9 January & Wednesdays 11am-2pm starting on 4 January
- Slough Community Support Café, St John’s Church, Stoke Poges Lane - Tuesdays 5-9pm
- Slough Community Support Café, St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Stoke Poges Lane - Thursdays 3.30-8pm
- Cippenham Carers Group, Cippenham Baptist Church, Elmshott Lane - Third Wednesday of the month from 1-3pm
- Ujala Foundation, Manor Park Pavillion, Villiers Road -Tuesdays 10am-2pm and Thursdays 12noon-2pm.
- Home Slough is offering a warm space during their WOW Slough winter programme. All events will be held at The Curve. For dates and times visit HOME Slough - Creative arts in your community
- The Slough community support café is for all ages to have a simple meal, coffee, read newspapers or have a chat and there is space for children to play or complete homework. For more information, email office@communitycafe.uk or call 07817 829393.
If anyone is already running a Warm Space, or wants to register, please submit a listing to Slough Borough Council detailing what you can offer.
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