Warm Space Initiative

The Warm Welcome Campaign was set up in August 2022, by a network of churches, charities and civil society organisations in response to the soar in energy prices which left millions dreading the winter ahead, leaving many fearing they will have to make the choice between food and warmth.

Warm Spaces are safe and welcoming places in the community that provide warmth to those facing hardship in the cost of living crisis.

Many Local Councils are awarding grants to community groups to open their buildings for extra hours to offer people a place to go to keep warm, eat or drink and enjoy a social time.

Blaby Congregational Church wanted to help and we have started two new activities as warm spaces for the community in Blaby. We have received some funding towards holding these activities so they are free to everyone, however if anyone would like to make a donation this will be used to extend the work of the Church in our community.

1. Coffee, Cake and Conversation

Firstly in September 2022 we started a social group called Coffee, Cake and Conversation which meets fortnightly on a Thursday morning from 10 -12. This is usually the first and third Thursday and dates will be advertised on posters around the village as well as on our website. Don't worry if you are not keen on Coffee as we serve Tea as well!

The meeting takes place in our schoolroom at the rear of the Church, which is a warm and cosy place.

Puzzles, Games and Jigsaws are available as well as several people to chat to. If you need further support Pastor Julie is available for private conversation and can signpost you to places who can offer additional support. The Church is also open for prayer.

2. Community Lunch

In November we decided to start a monthly lunch on the first Saturday of the month, the Church is open from 11am for hot drinks and biscuits and then from 12pm lunch is served. Lunch is usually Jacket Potatoes with a choice of fillings or Soup and bread.

Please join us for these activities, you will receive a warm and friendly welcome with a chat as well as food, drinks and a warm room.

If you have family or friends who are not local to Blaby who would benefit from a Warm Space then please tell them about Warm Spaces https://warmspaces.org/ which is an organisation designed to signpost anyone in need of warmth, to a warm space to share with others. They have a map of the UK with lots of warm spaces registered all over the UK.