There is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK resulting in unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty, and this winter despite the support given by Government, thousands of people in Ipswich will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.
Together for Ipswich wants to do more to help working through a network of local Churches, charities and community groups.
In doing so, we wish to work with our local Churches and partners to create a network of Warm Spaces, a group of places where Ipswich people can come together to stay warm, perhaps enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit or a warm meal.
We have created a directory of all the places available so that anyone who is cold knows where they can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments.
Sharing Warm Spaces for Ipswich
If you already offer this type of facility, read about what you can expect if you offer a Warm Space and how to sign up to our directory here
Warm Spaces Ipswich Values
1. You'll get a warm welcome!
Every time you come to a Warm Space you'll be given a warm welcome from the staff and volunteers there.
2. It will be a warm, safe space
It will be in a building that is being kept warm.
Your Warm Space will stick to the safeguarding policies that it always uses, and it will stick to food hygiene rules too!
3. It will offer warm refreshments
As a minimum there will be tea, coffee and biscuits, but many warm spaces will offer a hot meal as well (there may be a small charge or an opportunity to contribute)
4. It will offer warm relationships
Everyone will be treated equally, with dignity and respect
Everyone has a right to be warm, so everyone in a Warm Space treats people, and is treated by people, with dignity and respect.
The warm space will also be able to signpost you to other services and advice that may help you.
FAQ’s
What is the Winter Warmth campaign and who is behind it?
The Winter Warmth Campaign exists to support and champion the community response to the cost-of-living crisis. Working with Churches and partners of all kinds, we want to equip organisations to provide a warm welcome to everyone who might need it this winter. The campaign was started by Together for Ipswich (www.togetherforipswich.uk) working with key partners.
We already run a venue and facility that offers everything that a Warm Space should be, can we still take part?
Yes! Having worked closely with our partners in creating this campaign, we are aware of some of the fantastic initiatives and projects which currently already take place every day across Ipswich which provide safe, warm spaces for people to go. Pledging to be a Winter Warmth space doesn’t mean having to set up a new initiative, but what it does mean is that service users will be able to easily identify your existing services as being part of wider “Winter Warmth” space which they can go to for warmth this winter.
We’ve registered – what happens next?
Great - thank you for creating a Warm Space for your community this winter. Look out for an email from us shortly as we will be in touch soon with more information and resources on how to create a Warm Welcome for people who need it this winter.
How often does a Warm Space need to be open for?
As often as you’re able to. We understand different organisations will have different capacities in terms of frequency and length of time they are able to open their doors for, which is why there is no minimum opening requirement to become a Winter Warmth space.
I am able to provide financial support or other practical help but I’m not sure what is needed?
