Network of warm spaces to open across Sunderland this winter

Sunderland City Council has joined forces with voluntary and community sector partners

55 warm spaces will be opened and located in venues ranging from libraries and community centres to youth projects and a recording studio. They will offer a range of support services and help people struggling with their energy bills and the cost of the living crisis to keep warm. 

Councillor Linda William, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, said: “We know that many of our residents are really worried about how they’re going to heat their homes and keep warm this winter in the face of spiralling bills. 

“Many of our warm spaces are housed in venues with a long-standing community role such as libraries, churches and community centres. This is very much about creating and building up hubs to support residents within communities- not just warm spaces, but places to learn new skills, reduce isolation and loneliness and improve health and wellbeing.

“They’ll be places where our residents can go for support, advice and most importantly to meet others, so some will have mother and toddler playgroups, exercise groups and adult education groups.

“We have a long history of working closely with our voluntary and community partners to support our communities through difficult times and it’s really important that our residents know that there are friendly welcoming spaces where they can go to keep warm this winter”. 

Details of the warm spaces can be found at: www.sunderland.gov.uk/warm-spaces