Bath & North East Somerset Council has set out a “Warm Welcome” package as part of plans to create a network of Warm Spaces across the district this winter.
The package for its libraries is part of a number of measures, including an online map of places that can help households, being put in place to support those struggling to meet the costs of energy to heat their homes.
Local libraries will offer information and signposting to other organisations.
Changes to seating and the development of ‘Hublets’, tablets for use in the library to access all council services, will ensure libraries are ‘Warm Welcome’-ready.
The local authority is also inviting local organisations to identify additional spaces that can provide warmth and welcome over the coming months.
By completing a simple online form, organisations will be able to register for an online directory and map of warm spaces in our area. The link can be found here.
The online form will record information such as opening hours, available facilities and accessibility. Warm spaces will be identified on a map on the council’s website so people can see their nearest and most suitable warm space, alongside information about each space.
Organisations taking part will be asked to sign up to the Bath and North East Somerset Warm Spaces Charter, to ensure people using the space receive a warm welcome with respect and dignity.
The warm spaces initiative is being supported by the council and its partners in the Community Wellbeing Hub.
The Community Wellbeing Hub has responded to the cost-of-living crisis by stepping up its help with money matters, bills, benefits, energy costs, food, housing, mental health support, jobs and skills, support for carers and other services.
The Community Wellbeing Hub provides a single telephone number 0300 247 0050 to access support from key local agencies, including Citizens Advice, Age UK and Bath Mind.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The choice between heating and eating is I am afraid a very real one for many in our community.
“We have many local organisations asking how they can contribute their venues to helping people keep warm this winter and this excellent initiative allows people to be part of a network that is designed to make a real difference to people’s lives over the coming months as energy costs bite. My thanks go to everyone taking part.”
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, added: “Libraries have always been a safe, warm and free space for everyone, with free wi-fi, books, computers and study areas.
“Our Warm Welcome package will ensure as many people as possible know about our library offer including the very wide range of events and clubs which take place in our libraries.
“We hope that our Warm Welcome package, when combined with other warm spaces across our area, will form a supportive network that as many people as people will benefit from over the coming months.”
The council’s Library and Information Services in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton provide access to a wide range of council and other services, as does its Housing, Welfare and Advice Services at 3- 4 Manvers Street in Bath.
