22 new cold weather hubs now available in Greenwich

Greenwich council is funding 22 warm spaces across the borough for residents facing extreme fuel poverty and unable to heat their homes. 

Greenwich was able to allocate a total of £61,000, rather than £50,000 initially announced for local organisations to open and run warm spaces across the borough, providing vital winter support for residents until April. 

The successful bids have joined a growing list of cold weather hubs on offer across the borough, providing a warm and welcoming space for residents to visit and sit, with some locations dedicating specific support for young families, the homeless, LGBTQ+ communities, the elderly and residents on low incomes, as well as activities to tackle loneliness.   

Cllr Anthony Okereke, leader of the council, said: “No one in our borough should have to choose between heating and eating this winter, but sadly that is the reality so many face.

“This is not just a crisis of personal finances but will have dire consequences for people’s wider health and well-being, which is why warm and welcoming spaces are vital in offering support locally.” 

Grants of between £300 and £3,000 have been issued to the warm space which can be found at https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/warm-spaces

Residents struggling with benefits, everyday costs, food and supporting their families can visit Greenwich Supports. People can also find a map of support in the borough at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwich-supports-map 

Pictured top: Middle Park Community Centre is among the grant recipients for Warm Spaces funding. Pictured are management and support staff at the centre with councillors Rachel Taggart-Ryan (far left), Sandra Bauer (third from the left) and Asli Mohammed, (far right). (Picture: Greenwich council)