More than 100 ‘warm spaces’ have been launched across Stockport to help people get through the ‘challenging and difficult’’ winter ahead. Venues ranging from libraries to coffee shops and community centres will be welcoming people over the next five months, offering comfortable places where people can grab a brew, have a chat and maybe take part in a new activity.
The initiative is an ‘emergency response’ to the cost of living crisis that has left many worrying they will be left choosing between heating and eating - despite the government capping the amount people can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. There are 122 warm spaces in Stockport - 75 of which have received council funding of up to £1,000 - with at least one venue in every area of the borough.
Council leader Mark Hunter told a launch event at the Upper Room Cafe, in Cheadle, it was vital to support the most vulnerable over the winter -and praised the community for responding 'quickly to this challenging situation’. “What we share at the council is a determination to do what we can to try and assist people through what are very definitely going to be challenging and difficult times, especially as we go into the winter period and all that brings with it,” he said.
