Tewkesbury Borough Council highlights community warm spaces for Warm Welcome Week
Posted on: 16 January 2026
Tewkesbury Borough Council is shining a spotlight on the vital role of local warm spaces ahead of Warm Welcome Week beginning Monday, 19 January 2026, supporting the national effort to reframe Blue Monday into a day of warmth, connection and support.
For the third year, a full list of fourteen community venues offering warm spaces in Tewkesbury Borough has been made available to help residents who may need extra warmth, companionship or practical support during the colder months.
This year, Tewkesbury Borough Council has secured funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has been allocated to local organisations working to make a difference to residents by running warm spaces across the borough throughout the winter. Feedback from funded groups has highlighted just how essential these spaces have become for the wellbeing of both individuals and families.
Among them is a local community venue, Northway Hub, which has joined the scheme for the third year running offering a warm space, providing soup and a roll, hot drinks, games, newspapers, crafts, and a friendly environment for anyone who needs it.
Councillor Alex Hegenbarth, Lead Member for Community and Housing said: “A warm home should be essential, but it’s a luxury for many. The harsh reality is that rising prices have forced people to make stark choices, like whether to heat or eat. We are pleased to have funded fourteen community venues that offer not just heat but connection, kindness and practical help. Warm Welcome Week is a chance to celebrate that work and encourage anyone who needs support to come along.”
Councillor Mike Barnes, Northway Parish Council Chairman said: “People come to Northway Community Hub for the food, and many say how much they enjoy the company. On cold winter days, having somewhere warm and friendly to go to can make a huge difference. Volunteers will be taking part in a ‘Brighten Blue Monday’ activity by wearing warm, colourful clothing to create a positive, uplifting visual moment as we greet our visitors.”
Last year there were over 12,500 visits to warm spaces offered by thirteen community venues across the borough. Feedback from the venues have outlined that visitors have spoken of the warm and welcoming atmosphere provided by staff and volunteers.
This year, many of the warm space venues are offering even more support to residents by partnering with other organisations that can help with the cost of living – such as Severn Wye Energy Agency, Gloucestershire Rural Community Council’s Digital Inclusion service or the NHS Digihub partnership, local Citizens Advice Bureaus and local foodbanks and pantries.
To find out more visit tewkesbury.gov.uk/warm-spaces.
