Blaby District Council is teaming up with community partners to offer a host of ‘warm spaces’ for people who may be lonely, vulnerable or concerned about the cost of living.

The Council offices themselves on Desford Road, Narborough, will play host to a series of ‘warm space’ sessions in the Brooks Room starting on Wednesday 11 January from 9am to noon.

The Council has also provided grants to help neighbourhood organisations open up local centres as part of an initiative which will run throughout this winter.

Some organisations have used the money to buy new equipment to facilitate the extra opening such as kettles and urns, while others have put it towards the cost of food and beverages.

Currently the Council is aware of around 18 ‘warm spaces’ across the District but is keen to hear from any other groups or centres who could also provide the service and may need support.

Blaby District Council has forged a strong relationship with locally-based retail giant Next to support the warm spaces.

The firm has been donating clothes, bedding and soft furnishings for the Council to distribute to families in need and to give away at warm spaces venues.

Since November Blaby District Council has funded eight groups to help them either set-up as a warm space or expand existing sessions to offer a warm space environment.

These are Blaby Baptist Church, Lubbesthorpe Hub, Kirby Muxloe Library and Community Hub, St Andrew’s Church, Countesthorpe (The Bridge), Leicester Forest East Community Library, Littlethorpe Village Hall, Braunstone Civic Centre and Cosby Community Library.

Funding is still available and groups can apply for up to £350 to cover running costs, refreshments or equipment purchase. For more details contact vcshub@blaby.gov.uk

Any residents wishing to pop along to a ‘warm space’ should check with the group or centre involved to find out more about days, times and facilities available.