Warm Welcome Spaces are popping up across Ceredigion.
Stay Warm, Stay Social and Keep Talking
The cost-of-living crisis is already affecting millions across the UK and many people are saying that they won’t be able to switch their heating on this winter. People who are working from home, parents with young children, disabled people and older people are particularly affected but many of Ceredigion Warm Welcome Spaces are open to all.
Warm Welcome Spaces are free, warm, safe and welcoming. Each space will vary. Some, like Ffynnon in Llandysul, are set up for people who are working from home on some days and for all ages, or for particular age groups on other days. Some, like the Family Centre in Tregaron, are offering to bring parents with young children and older people together to socialise and share a meal.
The National Library of Wales are providing a working area, for individuals to spend their work day in a dedicated office, whilst the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is offering a working area and an area where people can meet informally over a cup of tea or coffee on its Lampeter campus. All will have information to share about other support and advice that is available.
Councillor Catrin Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, said: “We are working with CAVO to make this work, but the big champions are all of the community groups across Ceredigion who are offering a Warm Welcome Space this winter. I recommend that everyone checks out the interactive map that shows where you can find your nearest Warm Welcome Space and I am truly grateful to everyone who is supporting this campaign.”
A limited pot of funding is available to contribute to the cost of running a Warm Welcome Space and activities. Hazel Lloyd-Lubran, CAVO Chief Executive, said: “We urge community groups to contact us in CAVO to discuss setting up a Warm Welcome Space and any funding requirements you may have. It’s also really important that we make sure that we don’t expose people to both the winter flu virus and Covid-19. We have advice and templates we can share to reduce this risk. We have also been talking with Bwcabus who are keen to help bring people to the Warm Welcome Spaces, particularly from our more rural areas in the County.”
The information can be seen on the Warm Welcome Space page or call Clic Customer Services and ask about the Spaces on 01545 570881 or CAVO on 01570 423232.
Image: Rhydypennau Hall Warm Welcome Space open every Friday morning between 10am and 12pm.
17/11/2022