As temperatures plummet, Cumbrians are being reminded that Warm Spots are open across the county, helping to keep people warm and well. So far this winter, we’ve provided grants to 47 organisations, opening the doors of 75 venues. They are free, welcoming spaces for people to visit this winter if they need it.

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. Find out if there’s one local to you: www.cumbria.gov.uk/warmspots

Kings Church Hub in Cockermouth received £1,000 from the fund to open two venues, Operations Director, Paul Mogford said: “With a warmer November than we expected, the recent sudden drop in temperature highlights the difficulties many people have in keeping their homes warm. Our warm spots are welcoming for people needing some relief from the bitter cold, with hot drinks, homemade cakes and great craic to keep spirits up and bodies warm.”

Vision Support in Barrow also received £1,000 to open a warm spot in its centre on Cavendish Street twice a week. Grant & Legacy Officer, Janine Postlethwaite said: “We are welcoming anyone in need during winter to enjoy a chat and a warm cuppa while keeping out of the cold.”

Cllr Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “Warm Spots have been up and running for a couple of months 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.”

Winter Warmth Appeal

We’ve just finished our biggest Winter Warmth Match Challenge campaign to help increase funds for our Winter Warmth Appeal. Anyone who donated between 7th November and 9th December had their donation automatically doubled.

During that time, we’re delighted to have raised an incredible £190,000, which was generously matched by our match funding champions: WCF Ltd, the John Laing Charitable Trust, Sellafield Ltd, Cumbria County Council, Roselands Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, The Johnson Fund, Brian and Ann Clark Fund, The Harvey Family Fund, The Hadfield Trust, Rural Getaways Ltd and private donors. This means, thanks to everyone’s donations, you’ve helped us raise a staggering £442,819 so far this winter.

“To see this amount raised already gives us so much hope and it’s touching that people are willing to be so generous and offer so much in these difficult times,” said Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships.

We would still like to achieve our half a million Winter Warmth Appeal target, as more older people are at greater risk than ever before due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The Winter Warmth Appeal will continue to run until March 2023 and donations are gratefully received. Grants of up to £300 are available to people aged 60 and over from low-income households who are struggling to stay warm and well. For more information, or to donate, visit our website.

Winter Warmth Fundraisers