As the cost of living crisis continues and more people find themselves having to choose between ‘heating or eating’, many local councils have compiled lists of places where you can go if you can’t afford to heat your home.

In Bath and North East Somerset, local charity, voluntary or community organisations running a Warm Space in Bath & North East Somerset are now able to apply for a £250 grant from the council’s Community Contribution Fund.

There are rules that venues have to follow in order to become a ‘Warm Space’ under B&NES council. This is to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome. B&NES say:

  • You’ll get a warm welcome as well as a Warm Space from staff and volunteers.
  • Everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect.
  • Your Warm Space will be a safe space.
  • Nobody will be informed about your use of a Warm Space.
  • It doesn’t matter why you need a Warm Space, they’re non-judgemental places.

For more information on the policy set out click here.

Where are my local Warm Spaces?

We’ve compiled a list within a 4 mile radius of Midsomer Norton, along with each venue’s facilities and opening times.

Midsomer Norton Community Trust (based in Unit 14) - South Road, BA3 2EZ. Facilities: accessible entrance, activities, parking, gadget charging, free wifi, library corner/book swap, magazines/newspapers, work stations for agile working, hot drinks, cordial and biscuits. Opening times: 11am - 2pm Saturdays.

Radstock Community Hub & Library - BA3 3PR. Facilities: accessible entrance, free wifi, library corner/book swap, free use of computers. Opening times: 9am - 4pm Tues, 10.30 am - 5pm Weds, 9am - 4pm Thurs.

Midsomer Norton Library & Information Service - The Hollies, BA3 2DP. Facilities: accessible entrance, activities, baby change, gadget points, disabled toilets, free devices to use, free use of computers, information advice and guidance services, library corner/book swap. Opening times: 9.30 am - 5pm Mon - Thurs, 9.30am - 4.30pm Fri, 9.30am - 1pm Sat.

Timsbury Community Library -YMCA BUILDING, North Road, BA2 0JH.Facilities: accessible entrance, free wifi, library corner/book swap, disabled toilets, baby change, activities, play equipment, car parking, info advice and guidance services, hot drinks, cordial and biscuits. Opening times: 2.30pm - 4.30pm Mon, 2pm - 4pm Tues, 1.30pm - 4.30 pm Thurs, 10am - 12pm Sat.

Farmborough Community Shop (behind Farmborough Memorial Hall) -Little Lane, BA2 0AJ. No purchase necessary to use the space. Facilities: accessible entrance, baby change, parking, disabled toilets, free wifi, library corner/book swap, outdoor space/activities. Opening times: 8.30am - 5.30pm Mon - Fri, 9am - 12pm Sat.

The Hive Community Centre - Bath Road, BA2 8DH. Facilities: accessible entrance, activities, baby change, charging points, parking, dairy alternatives for tea/coffee which can be purchased from the charity café. Opening times: 8.30am - 3pm Mon - Fri, 9am - 1pm Sat.

To view the full directory of Warm Spaces in BANES, click here.