In the Summer of 2022, when the full impact of the Cost of Living Crisis became obvious, our church decided to open our doors on a Wednesday as a welcome to anyone in our community. Wednesday is the only week day when the library in town is closed, really the only place in Southam that provides a cost-free warm haven. So the idea was to replicate that, with the addition of free hot drinks and refreshments, newspapers to read or puzzles to take on, the opportunity to use free Wi-Fi or even a computer, and the chance to have a friendly chat.
We planned to be open for at least 20 weeks, between November and the end of March, and longer if the need was there. We shared our plans and were grateful for help and advice. We were especially thankful for financial support from Warwickshire Rural Community Council, St Wulfstan’s Surgery and Southam Lions, and in 2034/24 from St Wulfstan’s Surgery and the Southam Lions again.
In 2022/23 the Warm Space was open on a Wednesday from 10am-4pm, and in 2023/24 from 11am-4pm, both times for 20 weeks. In 2022/23 we welcomed 302 people to the Warm Space, an average of just over 15 people a week. In 2023/24 the numbers were remarkably similar, welcoming 295 people to the Warm Space, an average of just under 15 people a week. In the first year, having 4 volunteers working each week, meant 240 voluntary hours were offered by generous church members and friends. In the second year the Warm Space was reduced by an hour – very few people came between 10-11am – so just 200 hours were worked! We continued to open between 3-4pm in 2023/24 because a family came after school from St Mary’s, and by the end of the year this had turned into two families.
The one thing that all people who came to the Warm Space remarked upon was the friendly welcome and the convivial atmosphere. It was just like a big friendly family. In fact, there was concern whenever a ‘regular’ was missing and their welfare was always checked on. People felt relaxed enough to bring along crafts to make whilst sitting and chatting, and we had one regular bring his keyboard along on a couple of occasions to entertain us.
Through the wonderful generosity of support partners, and from people who’ve appreciated the Warm Space, since 2022 we have raised a total income of £1681.10. The cost of equipping and running the Warm Space has been £1480.16 over the two years. This means that there is just over £200 in the budget for running the Warm Space from this November – because we hope to open again for another 20 weeks.
The one caveat to that hope to return again is the need to make sure we have enough volunteers to keep it open. There was one week in the 2023/24 season when the Warm Space was cancelled simply because we didn’t have enough volunteers to open. Our volunteers were all very generous with their time and friendliness, and we must warmly thank them. We also thank those who were generous with their practical gifts, especially a very generous couple who brought sandwiches and other goodies every week.
The Warm Space was appreciated by many people and eagerly anticipated for 2024/25.
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