'Warm Spaces' open across Greater Manchester

More than 300 so called 'warm spaces' are opening across Greater Manchester as the UK gears up for winter in an energy crisis.

It's a time when many of us are reluctant to turn the heating on amid rising bills, but for some the financial pressure is now so bad, it's become a choice between eating or heating.

The idea of the warm space initiative is to offer people a place to spend time, away from home, where they won't need to worry about paying for soaring energy bills. It's also a chance to combat loneliness or take part in a new activity.

Stockport is leading the way in the region; the borough launched 122 warm spaces on 1st November. They will remain open until March 2023 and the spaces are open to everyone.

Stockport Council Leader Mark Hunter said: "We're acutely aware that many, many people right across Stockport, and indeed elsewhere, are facing some very difficult and challenging times. As a local authority we want to do everything we can to try and support those people, especially the most vulnerable, at a time when we know the excessive energy bills are coming in. I think people are generally finding it tough out there so it's important that the council does what it can.

"We've been overwhelmed by community groups who want to do their bit. Community groups will be opening their doors, offering free teas, coffees and biscuits, and it's also a social opportunity for people to drop in and not be under pressure to buy anything or to partake in anything. Some of our warm spaces will be offering activities, so there will be something for everybody. It's a social opportunity for people to get into a warm space as the weather gets colder and not feel under any pressure at all.

"We live in very difficult times, the cost-of-living crisis is unprecedented, and we know that in an area like Stockport, many families are going to be severely impacted upon this Christmas. The council has committed to the scheme from now until the end of March. We're funding 75 of the 100+ organisations that we've already got lined up providing this assistance. But in addition to ours, there's around 45 other organisations across Stockport. We're really blazing a trail with this, and I expect a lot more authorities will follow."

You can see an interactive map of all the warm spaces set up in Stockport HERE.

Warm spaces are also available at Moss Side Leisure Centre and Arcadia Leisure Centre and Library in Levenshulme. You can find out more here.

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