A project which offers a welcoming environment and a hot drink for residents is going from strength to strength.

Last year, Warm Spaces were scattered throughout Slough, to reach as many people as possible who needed a friendly place to go to sit and socialise.

The Warm Spaces partnership is between the council, Slough Council for Voluntary Service, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), community groups, charities and organisations across the borough.

Mark Clements runs Slough Community Support Café, at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Merton Road, each Thursday 3.30-8pm.

Mark said: “The Community Support Café / Warm Space we run at St Andrew’s has continued to grow and has become an important service for its guests. As well as providing refreshments in a friendly and welcoming environment, the service also provides a nutritious, freshly prepared two course meal with a vegetarian option as well. 

“Guests are welcome to stay to watch television, read the newspapers or join in card games. We are delighted to now have a volunteer who can provide assistance with form filling (3.30-5.30pm). We aim to keep adding to the services provided and welcome anyone who needs help to come along.”

Councillor Anna Wright, lead member for public health, social care and wellbeing, said: “I am so pleased to hear the Warm Spaces have been well used by our community. They are a place to go for a friendly chat, some company, and a hot drink.

“Nobody should be sitting at home lonely, so I would encourage anyone who is, to venture out to one of the Warm Spaces for a friendly welcome.”

Vicki Atherton, Director of Operations at Slough CVS, said: "Slough CVS, in collaboration with SBC, enabled groups and places to offer a network of Warm Spaces across Slough, giving a safe and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy a free hot drink and a chat.

“You can find out about your nearest Warm Space using the Slough Community Directory. They really are a great resource for keeping warm within your community." 

Free starter packs of tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits, sponsored by SSEN, will be distributed to all groups who sign up to Warm Spaces Slough.

Mohammed Kamraiz, SSEN’s Customer and Community Advisor for Slough, said: “As we live and work in the areas we serve, SSEN understands the importance of safe, warm spaces and we’re delighted to be able to help our customers and community in Slough to stay warm by donating to the running costs of this hub.

“In addition to our support and funding of Warm Spaces, SSEN is offering advice to our customers on the free assistance they can receive in the event of a power cut and ways to save energy and reduce bills.

“I would encourage all customers to visit our Priority Services Register website and our partnership with YES Energy Solutions to find out more.”

Current warm spaces are at:
• Slough Community Support Café, St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Merton Road - Thursdays 3.30-8pm
• Cippenham Carers Group, Cippenham Baptist Church, Elmshott Lane - Third Wednesday of the month from 1-3pm
• Ujala Foundation, Manor Park Pavillion, Villiers Road - Tuesdays 10am-2pm and Thursdays 12noon-2pm
• AJ Café, Wentworth Avenue, Slough - Mondays, 9.30am-12.30pm
• Cippenham Royal British Legion, Brook Path, SL1 5EJ - Wednesdays, 11am-3pm 
• The Salvation Army, Stoke Road, Slough - Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am-12noon. 

Find the list of Warm Spaces on the Slough Community Directory.