“These spaces are vital for our community”: Somerset’s warm banks say demand is growing
In the last 12 months, almost 5.5 million people have visited a warm space in the UK
The Warm Welcome Campaign, which has spaces in towns across Somerset, say demand for their service is growing.
The campaign provides comfortable indoor spaces to support people who may be unable to afford their heating.
The spaces often provide company, comfort and warm drinks as well as a heated room.
New polling research and data analysis conducted by the Warm Welcome Campaign shows there are 5,000 spaces now registered with the campaign, a 25% increase since October 2024.
In the last 12 months, almost 5.5 million people have visited a warm space in the UK.
Warm Welcome is supported by Spark Somerset, an organisation which assists community and volunteer work in the county.
“It’s something that shouldn’t have to exist but unfortunately, it’s something that’s really vital,” said Laura Bazley, from Spark Somerset.
“It’s a safety network for people, especially now the cold weather is on the way.
“Many people are making really difficult choices between essentials like heating and food and this initiative really does provide a lifeline by offering that place of warmth to ease the burden on those who might otherwise be isolated or overwhelmed.
“It provides a lifeline offering more than just physical warmth."
Somerset's warm banks
Priorswood Community Centre is a registered warm bank in Taunton.
Alongside hosting community groups and fundraising efforts, they use their space to offer warmth, tea, coffee and a cup of soup for lunch.
“I definitely feel that people understand now that the services that used to be there aren’t there anymore,” said Lesley Councill, who runs the centre.
“So somewhere like this, where people can just come and pop in for a cup of coffee and a chat is really important to a lot of people.”
Andrew Senneck has been volunteering at the centre for more than ten years.
“With the economic situation, I found that a few more people are coming in just to get warm,” he said.
“People are learning all the time that warm spaces are a place of inspiration so you’re not stuck in a house all by yourself wondering what’s going to happen to you.”
You can find a warm bank near you on this interactive map.