Warm Hubs in Dorset prepare for busy winter as energy costs remain high
11 Warm Hubs in Swanage, made up of churches, libraries and café’s, are braced to offer vital support
Warm spaces in Dorset are welcoming people struggling to heat their homes because of sky-high energy prices this week.
The “warm hubs” initiatives began in 2022 when energy prices rose and will resume in most places this week.
With temperatures dropping, more people will be returning to warm spaces like churches, libraries and café’s this week.
Kim Gallagher, a trustee at the Herston Village Hall warm space in Swanage, told us: “The situation hasn’t got any better, people’s economics haven't changed, so there’s not going to be a sudden drop in people using these services. We just do what we can locally.”
Warm Hubs are temporary community hubs running for up to six months during the winter months. They offer a free, heated space for people who are struggling financially as a result of the cost-of-living crisis,
There are 11 Warm Hubs in Swanage, made up of churches, libraries and café’s, all of which are expecting demand to be higher or about the same as last year.
Although Swanage has gained a reputation for being an affluent area, Kim said: “We've got a high percentage of people that are on minimum wage and as with most seaside towns, a lot of the jobs around here are in the tourist trade, so there are a lot of people in Swanage who are not affluent.
“In the area surrounding Herston Village Hall, there are a lot of families who do not earn a lot of money.”
According to a national survey, 51% of Warm Hubs said they have not received or do not expect to receive additional funding to operate the warm banks. While 28% said that they have or will receive extra funding.
The report also found 93% of libraries are preparing to offer free, heated spaces for visitors during the cold months as part of a warm spaces scheme.
Kim said: “We haven't had any rough sleepers, although they would be welcome, but we have quite a lot of people in temporary housing come along and use the facilities.
“There's no stigma attached, especially during the cost-of-living crises because it doesn’t take much for people to suddenly find themselves homeless.”