Warm welcome as temperatures drop
“This a warm space, somewhere where everyone can come and relax and find things that they want to do and chat with like-minded people.”
That’s the verdict of Phil Speddy, operations manager at Veterans in Communities, about the welcome that they offer to visitors to their community space in Rossendale.
The charity is part of Lancashire County Council's Warm Spaces scheme, which encourages members of the public to enjoy a free hot drink, meet new people and stay warm as temperatures drop during the coldest months of the year.
Initially started at the council's libraries, the Warm Spaces Grant Scheme was created to extend the scheme and help community organisations to create or enhance their own Warm Space offer over winter. Voluntary, community and faith organisations, and parish and town councils can apply for up to £750 to set up or support more warm spaces across the county.
This year was the fourth time the grant scheme has been run and three of the community organisations awarded grants included Veterans in Communities, Ember and Blossom Community Interest Company and Trinity Methodist Church.
Wyre-based Ember and Blossom CIC organised a freshly cooked three course Christmas Day Dinner and a free, heated, safe and welcoming environment on Christmas Day for anyone in the community who may otherwise have nowhere to go. Each year they welcome around 200 guests. Their Warm Space is free of charge for all.
Trinity Methodist Church hold a Wednesday Warm Space (1pm – 3pm) in the village of Gregson Lane near Houghton. They provide free soup and snacks, craft activities, board games and visits from supportive agencies/signposting and support 20-30 people each week.
Becoming 'part of your local community' and talking to 'like-minded people' in a bid to tackle social isolation are important benefits of trying out the Warm Spaces scheme.
Veterans in Communities aims to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and help veterans reconnect with their communities through peer support, structured activities, volunteering, and access to specialist advice. They provide refreshments, access to books, games, the opportunities to engage in group projects and access to practical support or signposting to further help.
Phil Speddy said: "People can come in here and just relax and be themselves. Nobody leaves anybody out and the second that you are greeted, you're part of this community.
"We can help and assist any veteran or ex service personnel, blue lights and their families for anything, whether it be social, inclusion groups, peer to peer, or therapy then we're here to do that."
Darren Horsnell, the charity's arts and crafts co-ordinator, says that having the opportunity to turn his life around is one that he loves to share with others.
He said: "I'm not the 'odd one out' here. There are people like me who come here and it's been great for them. We've had people back in work, in good relationships and out of debt. For me, to give back, is better than any medication.
"I run the art group. I recently got the great pleasure of ringing up one of the girls that comes to our group to tell her that she'd sold a painting, she was like, 'I don't believe you!' It's a great feeling, seeing their faces light up."
Ester Pegg said that she was welcomed into a 'family' when she became a member.
She said: "Everybody here is so welcoming. I was feeling very alone and very isolated, however, I was welcomed in straight away and very quickly I became part of a family. If you are suffering with your mental health or you want to make new friends, come along because it's open for everybody."
Bob Elliott, founder and trustee of Veterans in Communities said: "Come and be amongst other people. Whether military or not, there's something here for everyone. And as a warm space and a safe space, no-one is judged on what they've done or haven't done in the past because everyone is made to feel welcome from when they first come in to when they leave and we encourage them to get involved in all the different projects that we run."
Councillor Daniel Matchett, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
"The Warm Spaces scheme is a really great initiative, offering members of the public the chance to try out new hobbies and activities and make new friends.
"I recently visited Burnley Library myself to mark the scheme starting up, and saw for myself some of the fantastic sessions that are on offer for free for visitors. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about trying out this fantastic scheme to give it a try."
To come along and try out the scheme or to find out more, visit Warm spaces - Lancashire County Council, Lancashire warm spaces grant scheme - Lancashire County Council.
Find out more about keeping warm, safe and well this winter, as well as staying active and making the most of new opportunities here: Winter in Lancashire - Lancashire County Council.