In response to the rising cost of living and increasing cost of heating and lighting homes organisations and businesses around Cumbria have come together and launched Warm Spot.

A Warm Spot is a place where anyone can come and it offers a warm and welcoming environment.

All of the county’s Warm Spots can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/warmspots

Many Warm Spots were launched towards the end of November and beginning of December as temperatures nationwide plunged to freezing with many places sitting at zero degrees and have continued to run in 2023.

Councillor Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “Warm Spots have been up and running for several week’s now and we know hundreds of people are attending regularly.

“It’s not just the warmth, it’s the opportunity to have a chat that it seems many people are really valuing.

“With the weather getting colder it’s likely there will be more people looking for support. I’d encourage everyone to have a look at the website and see what’s on offer in your area.”

Warm Spots is a joint project, led by Cumbria County Council, ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, Churches Together in Cumbria, Cumbria Community Foundation and Cumbria CVS.

It encourages and supports local organisations to open their doors to people in need of warmth and help, as the cost-of-living crisis and high fuel costs continue to put many people under real strain.

Following an incredible response from communities there are now around 200 Warm Spots open in towns and villages in every corner of the county.

Some are open every day, with other just for a few hours a week.

Organisations are registering new Warm Spots every day, if you would like to set up a Warm Spot, advice and funding are available.

Visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/warmspots for more information.