Sefton's Warm Spaces: A Haven for Community Connection and Support
As winter blankets Sefton with chilly winds and frosty mornings, the community comes together once again to embrace the warmth of connection and support through Sefton's Warm Spaces. These safe, inviting places offer more than just shelter from the cold; they provide a haven where people can connect, participate in activities, and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea.
Around 40 Locations Across the Borough
Sefton's Warm Spaces can be found in approximately 40 locations, including community centres, community hubs, and libraries spread across the Borough. These spaces aim to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Some locations even offer free Wi-Fi, enhancing the connectivity experience for visitors.
To discover the exact locations, opening days, and available services and facilities, individuals can explore the interactive map and day-by-day guide provided on Sefton CVS's website.
Cllr Trish Hardy Addresses the Cost of Living Crisis
In the face of the national cost of living crisis, Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, emphasizes the importance of these Warm Spaces. With the rising costs and challenges associated with heating homes, Warm Spaces offer a refuge for those who may hesitate to turn on their heating.
While Cllr Trish Hardy is pleased that the Warm Spaces Network provides support during the winter, she expresses concern about the levels of hardship faced by families in Sefton and across the country.
From Warm to Welcome: Responding to Community Needs
Responding to feedback from the previous winter, Warm Spaces transformed into a network of Welcome Spaces from April. People could still visit Welcome Spaces for company, refreshments, and engaging activities like games and quizzes. Over the summer, 14 organizations provided nearly 350 Welcome Spaces sessions, catering to over 5,100 attendances, mainly in the 65 to 75 age group.
Angela White, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS, shares that as the community transitions back to Warm Spaces, 22 providers have been recommissioned, with an expected expansion to 40.
Meeting Places and Times in L22 / L23 Area
For residents in the L22 / L23 area, there are various Warm Spaces to explore:
-
Waterloo Community Centre
- Fridays: 11 am – 2 pm
- Address: 26 Great Georges Rd, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 1RD
- Telephone: 0151 920 2708
- Website: directory.seftoncvs.org.uk
-
The Irenaeus Project
- Mondays - Thursdays: 10 am - 4 pm
- Address: 32 Great Georges Rd, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 1RD
- Website: irenaeus.co.uk
-
Plaza Community Cinema
- Tuesdays (once per month): 12:30 pm - 4 pm
- Address: 13 Crosby Rd N, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 0LD
- Telephone: 0151 474 4076
- Website: plazacinema.org.uk
-
Marine in the Community
- Fridays: 11:45 am - 2 pm
- Address: The Marine Travel Arena, College Rd, Liverpool L23 3AS
- Telephone: 0151 924 1743
- Website: marinefc.com
-
Saint Nicholas Blundellsands
- Thursdays: 9 am - 2 pm
- Address: 111 Mersey Rd, Crosby, Liverpool L23 6SS
- Telephone: 0151 352 8893
- Website: stnicholasblundellsands.org
-
All Saints With St Frideswydes C of E Church
- Thursdays: 2 pm - 4 pm
- Address: All Saints Church, 93 Forefield Ln, Crosby, Liverpool L23 9TQ
- Telephone: 0151 345 3231
- Website: assfchurchcrosbythornton.org.uk
Encouraging Community Engagement
Residents are encouraged not only to utilize the warm spaces and enjoy free refreshments but also to build a sense of community and explore social opportunities. These spaces offer more than just warmth; they foster connections and support, making winter a season of togetherness in Sefton.
For additional advice and support related to the cost of living crisis, individuals can visit Sefton's Cost of Living and Sefton Support Hub.
Note: The information provided is based on the status as of December 5, 2023. Readers are encouraged to check the provided website for the most up-to-date details.