A local network of community organisations, churches, libraries and other groups are welcoming people through their doors this winter to be social and keep warm.  

Community venues, churches and local libraries are friendly, safe and inclusive places, offering not just warmth but a place to enjoy the company of others, and maybe a hot drink or an opportunity to join in activities.

Find a venue in Harrogate district in our HADCA Where To Turn Community Information Directory, using the search theme ‘Warm Space’. There are also many other community activities, venues and groups listed in the directory where you will get a warm welcome. 

Venues include the Community Give as You Can Cafes in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Killinghall and the Foodbanks in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Starbeck.

Lists of welcoming warm spaces have also been compiled for different areas of the district over the last couple of years (please check with the venue before visiting for the first time as information may have changed) : 

• Harrogate - local churches provide a welcoming space available to anyone. You can find venues here on the Netmakers website (winter 2024/25).  
• Ripon - Cathedral Community Connections and Ripon Community House compiled a list of places which offer a Warm Welcome in the city (November 2022)
• Knaresborough - for more information about what's on in Knaresborough you can get in touch with Chain Lane Community Hub or Knaresborough Connectors  and check the Knaresborough Community website. 
• Nidderdale - Warm Spaces in the Nidderdale and Washburn area are listed on the Nidderdale Plus website (compiled in Winter 2023)

The North Yorkshire Council Keeping Well and Warm This Winter webpage has tips on keeping warm, safeguarding your health, and accessing financial support.  

Age UK's Winter wrapped up information guide outlines ways you can prepare yourself and your home for the winter months.

North Yorkshire Horizons have put together Advice for Winter Wellness  - some tips for boosting your health and happiness throughout the winter months. It’s important to remember you are not alone. Many people experience low mood and other challenges at this time of year.

Please visit our Cost of Living Support page for more information and sources of support. 

All venues in North Yorkshire offering a warm space are being encouraged to add their venue to the national Warm Welcome website. The site also has a map which shows the Warm Welcome Spaces currently looking for Volunteers to help them welcome people in their communities. Every space needs to re-register, even if you were part of the campaign last year. 

Information for venues

There is a Setting up a Warm Welcome Space step by step guide on the Warm Welcome website

National Energy Action, the national fuel poverty charity, has worked with the Warm Welcome campaign to develop digital learning and resources to support Warm Space staff and volunteers.  

Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, with CILIP,  has also produced a helpful guide with a  few things to think about for anyone setting up a 'warm space' in their community. 

Linking Lives UK - Good Conversations 
These online sessions cost for anyone volunteering to host welcoming spaces (e.g. cafe drop-ins, Foodbanks, Warm Welcome spaces, lunch clubs, Places of Welcome, Community Libraries, Men's Sheds or any other community initiatives) cost just £5. 
 

Reviewed December 2024.