WARM spaces have been set up around Swindon to help people who are struggling to pay their heating bills.

Swindon Borough Council has helped add 10 community facilities around the town to its Warm and Welcome Spaces scheme.

Visitors will not be asked why they are there and will be under no obligation to take part in any activities which might be on offer, but if they want to chat and get to know some other local people, then they’ll be equally welcome.

The facilities at each venue will vary. The services at each space could include further support with the cost of living, opportunities to participate in activities, free internet access, computers and charging points, and a friendly environment to connect with others within the community.

So far, the Central, Highworth, Moredon, North Swindon, Park, West Swindon and Wroughton Libraries have signed up along with Pinetrees Community Centre, Gorse Hill Baptist Church, and Central Swindon North Parish Council’s home in John Moulton Hall.

Coun Cathy Martyn is the local authority’s cabinet member for health inequalities and housing.

She said: “Following the council’s decision to declare a cost of living crisis earlier this autumn, organisations across the borough have really rallied together to build a network of Warm and Welcome Spaces, and we’d like to thank all those who have signed up so far. But this is just the start.

“We’d like to see a Warm and Welcome Space in every community so that no-one has to travel far, with information available about support if people need it.

“Some spaces may have advice and financial first aiders from Citizens Advice Swindon visit, while others might offer activities for children such as Lego, board games, colouring books, or books for adults and children. It will depend on what those spaces can offer.

“We’re encouraging more businesses and charities in the borough to register as a space – giving more people the ability to stay warm and safe this winter.

“We’d also encourage all people to also consider signing up to be a volunteer to help out at these places.”

To volunteer, email volunteer@swindon.gov.uk or call the Live Well team on 01793 465 513.

If any organisation or business would like to register to be a Warm and Welcome Space, email costoflving@swindon.gov.uk.

Grants of between £100 and £500 will be made to successful venues, with the amount given linked to the number of days per week the space is open.

For more information, visit www.swindon.gov.uk/costofliving and www.swindon.gov.uk/warmandwelcome