As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, several organisations are opening up their doors to provide warm spaces for people who are struggling to heat their homes.

There are several places you can find to sit and stay warm this winter:

Launceston

Launceston community Church’s community open space, right next to the Foodbank Charity Shop, is open for free hot drinks, toasties and soup. There’s also space for little ones to play.

Whether you need a warm space or a warm welcome they are open every Thursday 1.30pm – 4pm.

Holsworthy

Holsworthy library will be open from 10am-1pm on a Friday morning over the winter, December 9 till March 31. Come and browse a fantastic range of books or use the computers, WiFi and printing. The library are offering free hot drinks whenever they are open so, feel free to spend time enjoying the warm and welcoming space.

The Wednesday Winter Warmer (WWW) in Gunnislake got off to a roaring start with a great turnout for the lunchtime launch.

The project is in place to combat the cold and loneliness people may feel over the winter months and for the community to have somewhere warm during what could be a difficult time for many.

Residents enjoyed free hot drinks, freshly made vegetable soup and mini baked potatoes, with LiveWest funding the groceries and free vegetables provided by Cornwall Gleaning Network.

Mai Evans, Community Connector for LiveWest, said: “The lunchtime’s launch couldn’t have been better attended nor a better atmosphere but what really lured people into this cosy community room was the irresistible aroma of freshly baked scones.

“A few people commented that what they particularly enjoyed was how warm and friendly the pop-up community café was. Ideas were floated for activities for the forthcoming weeks, and we’ve already done an activity last week which involved people bringing craft materials for Christmas card making which was fun.

“It does look like we may be able to establish this as a self-sustaining weekly group which is fantastic. It’s been an absolute pleasure to organise, and I look forward to running it weekly up until April next year.”

A LiveWest resident is volunteering and helping regularly in the kitchen to make sure the winter warmer sessions are run smoothly, and it’s also getting support from the local Community Fridge.

The room hire and coordinator for the winter warmers are covered by funding through a Volunteer Cornwall scheme that provides winter support through community hubs. Cornwall’s charities and community groups have combined forces to make it easier to find support with a network of Community Hubs across the county offering winter support.

Callington

Warm & Toasty at the Mustard Seed Church Callington Is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm including over the Christmas period. They are providing a warm place for you to come and sit, grab a drink and refreshments and try your hand at some arts and crafts should you wish to do so. You can charge up your phone whilst you charge up your own battery and have a chat and a bowl of soup with staff and volunteers. All free of charge and all welcome. Closed on Tuesday, December 20 & Bank Holidays.

St Mary’s Church in Callington are holding a lunchtime warm space each Wednesday from 12pm till 1.30pm. They will be serving home-made (where possible) soup, a roll and a hot drink. Anyone can come and it is free but will have a donation box.

Albaston

Tamar Valley Methodist Church will be open on Monday and Thursday mornings from 10am till 12pm.

Lamerton

Open from January 6 2023 Lamerton Sports & Community Centre are opening a warm space for anyone who is looking for a space to be warm and enjoy some company. Serving the villages of Lamerton, Milton Abbot, Chillaton, Marystowe, Coryton and Sydenham Damerel, but are welcome to anybody from the surrounding area.

Bideford

Westward Ho! Baptist church in Bideford is offering a family warm space in the Church Hall on Wednesdays 2pm till 5pm.