With freezing temperatures cutting across the country, social enterprise Places for People is supporting the three warm spaces across Edinburgh to provide a safe and warm space for the community this winter.
It comes as part of their national support of over 25 warm spaces across the UK this year providing safe and warm spaces for people in social isolation and those suffering from fuel poverty over the winter months.
Warm spaces aim to support local people who may be at risk of fuel poverty or may be feeling lonely or isolated. A warm space can be any community building and will provide a confidential, warm, and friendly environment for people to socialise over refreshments and take part in activities.
Magdalene Community Centre, Gilmerton Community Centre, and Newtongrange Development Trust are warm spaces open to all where they can meet others, enjoy a hot drink, get involved in activities and stay warm.
Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People commented: “As the cost-of-living continues to rise we know that many people are struggling with their energy bills and other general household bills.
“We are committed to finding ways to help and support our communities through these difficult times, and are proud to be supporting spaces for people to go where they can not only feel safe and warm but also where they can socialise and be part of a community.”
For the second year in a row, Places for People has chosen to support warm spaces within their communities to offer a space for people in social isolation and those suffering from fuel poverty over the winter months.
The impact that cost-of-living crisis is having on local communities continues to show and demand for these types of spaces is growing, with support from their Social Impact fund, Places for People are investing £5 million in activities to support customers and communities including warm spaces to address the cost-of-living crisis.
Opening times of the warm spaces vary; Gilmerton Community Centre’s warm space is open Tuesday to Thursday from 2 pm until 5:30 pm. Magdalene Community Centre’s warm space is open Monday and Thursday from 9:30 am until 2:45 pm. Newtongrange Development Trust’s warm space is open on Thursdays between 1 pm and 4 pm.
More information on the warm hubs being supported by Places for People can be found here:
https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/about-us/community/community-projects/