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Local businesses, community and faith organisations are being encouraged to step forward to offer ‘welcoming spaces’ to support local people during the winter months and rising cost of living.

A welcoming space is a place of connection in the community, such as a community centre, library, or place of faith, where people can meet, socialise, and potentially access support relating to the cost of living.

Last year over 50 welcoming spaces were established across Stoke-on-Trent. Services available at each welcoming space will vary but may include:

Access to support about money, welfare, and mental wellbeing

Community activities

Access to computers, free Wi-Fi, and charging points

A heated space

Organisations that become a welcoming space will be informed of the support available so that they can help the local people who attend their welcoming space. They will also be given ongoing support and guidance.

To sign up to become a warm and welcoming place, organisations are asked to fill in a short form at http://www.stoke.gov.uk/welcomingspaces.

They will then be added to the full list of welcoming spaces across the city which can be found at the VAST website: https://sottogether.vast.org.uk/cost-of-living-welcoming-spaces

This comes as the ‘Help is at Hand’ campaign was launched last month to support residents across the city through the cost of living crisis and winter months, with the support of public services, community and voluntary sector groups. For residents who may be struggling, http://www.stoke.gov.uk/helpisathand has helpful advice and support links.

If you have any questions about becoming a welcoming space, please don’t hesitate to contact the council’s Community Development Team by emailing communities@stoke.gov.uk or calling 01782 233265.