Since the launch of Rotherham Council’s Warm Welcome spaces initiative, libraries have provided a Warm Welcome to over 2400 people across the borough – with more people getting involved every day.
Fifteen library sites across the borough have been involved in the scheme. Per week, the libraries have been opened for combined total of 571 hours, giving people in the community access to keep warm during the winter months.
Rotherham Libraries across the borough are open year-round for residents to access a Warm Welcome, however, in light of the Cost of Living Crisis, the Council has worked with staff and partners to provide residents a warm, safe place they can come to get advice, guidance or stay connected with friends and family.
Rotherham’s Director of Public Health, Ben Anderson, said: “We are all very glad that people across the community have found the Warm Welcome spaces useful and provided them with a safe place to keep warm. Many of those accessing the Warm Spaces are customers who already use the library service, however, some sites are seeing new users ranging from senior citizens, parents and their children attending straight from school along with homeless people who wouldn’t normally use the space.
“Warm Welcome spaces are still available for residents to use for free, so please continue to use the spaces to access our library services and to get involved in the variety of activities available.
“There is also a lot of money saving advice and information about support available on the Council’s Money Matters webpages. Since its launch in November 2022, the Money Matters pages have been viewed almost 6,000 times by residents so please, if you have any questions or need advice, go online to find out more about the support available.”
Along with providing activities and hot drinks for users, libraries have also partnered with local voluntary and community groups to provide advice and support for residents.
Rotherfed has delivered Energy Know How sessions at Greasbrough, Riverside and Mowbray Gardens Libraries while Maltby Library has worked with Yorkshire Sport to enhance their “Warm Hub” project, which supports both the leisure centre and library as warm spaces for people to come and use facilities.
Swinton Library has been working with their Neighbourhood Co-ordinator and Ward Councillor to provide Warm Packs to the most vulnerable. These packs include a blanket, hot water bottle, gloves, hat, scarf, socks and an insulated travel mug.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “It is a testament to the hard work and caring ethos across Rotherham that so many voluntary and community groups, local businesses, parish councils, and ward members have got involved to support their communities. On the surface, the Warm Welcome spaces offer residents a warm place to go but in reality they offer their communities so much more. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the Warm Welcome for their hard work during a very difficult and worrying time.”
Other warm spaces have also proved popular with residents, including the community managed library at Brinsworth where the senior social club has offered fun activities for residents including a Christmas bingo, weekly cross word challenge and a local history quiz.
One resident attending the Senior Social Club said: “This group has encouraged me to get out and meet new people whilst enjoying a warm safe space without the worry or heating bills for an hour or two.”
To find your local Warm Welcome space, go to the Rotherham Council website at www.rotherham.gov.uk/warm-welcome.
Further money and debt advice, as well as information about support for residents in Rotherham, is available on the Council website at www.rotherham.gov.uk/money-matters.