Council’s Warm Welcome initiative continues into 2025
Shropshire Council, alongside partners Marches Energy Agency and community groups, charities and the voluntary sector have come together to continue the Warm Welcome initiative into 2025.
The colder months can be a lonely and challenging time for many people, especially those who may be worried about the cost of energy bills. Warm Welcome highlights community venues where people can go for free to socialise, meet friends and take part in activities while also keeping warm.
At all Warm Welcome venues, you’ll find:
- A warm welcome where you can enjoy the venue’s facilities with others.
- Inclusive and easy access for all.
- A warm environment where you can sit and enjoy some peace or an activity.
- Information to help with rising energy and living costs and financial support.
Over 40 venues across the span of the county have been awarded grants from the Household Support Fund to provide a free, open to all, warm space to enjoy a chat or an activity. A full list of venues, and opening times, can be found here.
Councillor Gwilym Butler, cabinet member for finance, said:
“The colder and darker winter months can be a tough time for many people. Please know you are not alone. There are lots of community spaces open during winter and spring, where you can spend as little or as long as you like during their opening hours. Keep warm, meet new people or catch-up with friends and find out what kind of support is on offer in Shropshire. Some places, like our council libraries, will also have books, toys, games, free Wi-Fi, interesting talks and more.”
Funding opportunity to help set up a warm space
A small amount of funding for venues and community groups interested in setting up a warm space remains available, and can be applied for via Marches Energy Agency, find out more here.
Other support available includes:
- Keep Shropshire Warm – is the council’s free and impartial energy advice service, managed by MEA. Keep Shropshire Warm offers free and impartial advice and support on a wide range of energy issues, including supporting residents to apply for financial support and energy efficiency grants. If you are struggling to pay your energy bills or are worried about rising bills the team can help. Get in touch with the team by calling their helpline 0800 112 3743 or email ksw@mea.org.uk for free and impartial advice.
- New guide to stay warm and well this winter – MEA have also put together a detailed guide on how you can stay warm and well this winter, the leaflet includes lots of energy saving tips and support with bills and suppliers. https://mea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/KSW-Winter-worries-and-wisdom-leaflet.pdf
- Additional support is available to those eligible via the Sustainable Warmth Shropshire scheme, and expressions of interest/further details are now available via Sustainable Warmth Shropshire – expression of interest | Shropshire Council