Teesside warm spaces are a 'lifeline' to people struggling with cold
There are also calls for more funding so warm spaces are continue
Last updated 1st May 2025
A warm space provider in Teesside is calling for there to be funding to help places like theirs, which offers support to people.
Saabat Gallery in South Bank near Middlesbrough say they are a 'lifeline' to all those who are struggling with the freezing temperatures.
Its Coordinator, Nathaniel McGovern, said: "South Bank is only a small community but I'd say it's a very deprived community. There's not many things here. There's a local faith group, a couple of local churches, a library and that's it. So I'd say if we weren't open and we didn't exist, I would say it would hit hard for the local people in the community. We are one of the lifelines for them around here.
"We've got a guy who's been coming for the past two weeks. He comes every week on Tuesdays. Since the cost-of-living started, he said to us last year that he came for his mental health to get out of the house, to come somewhere he could socialise. He uses it more as a social hub really. He comes during the summer, during the winter, just all times of the year.
"I think without warm spaces loads of people would go hungry, they'd go cold, especially now that it's minus degrees. People can't afford to heat their houses, what are they going to do if it's minus three or four on the thermostat? Or it's cold outside? And they can't afford to buy anything? They can come to places like this, even if it's for a couple of hours they can get warm, have a hot drink and just enjoy the heating for a bit.
"We have drawing classes in the kitchen. We have a massive kitchen space for free teas, coffees, toast and food, whatever people want. We have a massive library, safe space upstairs and we have a massive drawing room upstairs. All the heating's on, there's free wi-fi, anything that people need or questions, we have links to the local council and faith groups.