Safe and warm hubs are providing vital support this winter,
offering welcoming spaces for people to stay warm, connect with
others, and access advice and services during difficult times.
In the aftermath of Storm Darragh, which left many households
without power, these community hubs have become a lifeline.
Developed locally to meet local needs, Warm Hubs also offer
practical support, including advice on debt and welfare
entitlements; opportunities to try new activities and form
friendships; and information about financial and community
services.
This week, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , visited the safe and warm hub in
Llanddewi Velfrey in Pembrokeshire to meet volunteers and to
thank them for their dedication.
Lynda Hill, representing Llanddewi Velfrey Village Hall
Committee, has volunteered at the hub since 2002 helping to
manage the hall and organise events.
She said “We are particularly grateful for the help from the Warm
Rooms initiative as it helps us to help those in our community
who are in most need. Many homes in this area lost their
electricity and water for quite a long time during and after
Storm Darragh. Fortunately, this didn't affect the hall so we
opened to provide access to a warm space where anyone could use
cooking facilities, toilets, charge their phones, and connect
with others when they may have otherwise been isolated.
“Listening to stories of other halls and community initiatives
whose representatives attended the meeting, it was inspiring to
hear the huge range of support that is available across
Pembrokeshire. We all want people to know we're here throughout
the winter, and that the Warm Rooms hubs provide a warm and
friendly welcome for people of all ages and background.”
Across Wales, safe and warm hubs also offer practical support,
including advice on debt and welfare entitlements; opportunities
to try new activities and form friendships; and information about
financial and community services.
In October, the Welsh Government announced £1.5m in funding to
ensure hubs can continue their crucial work this winter.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , said: “Hubs, like
the one in Llanddewi Velfrey, are a great example of communities
coming together to support one another during tough times.
Volunteers are at the heart of these spaces, creating a warm and
inclusive welcome for people in need.
“We know the winter months can be difficult for many, which is
why we're doing all we can to alleviate financial pressures and
maximise incomes. Our investment in safe and warm hubs forms part
of a wider package of support to help people through the
cost-of-living challenges.”
Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary services has been
instrumental in channelling the funding for warm spaces and hosts
a regular forum for those involved with community buildings,
which is invaluable for sharing ideas and experience.
Other Welsh Government initiatives to help communities this
winter, include:
- the Welsh Benefits Charter to remove barriers to claiming
benefits;
- £30 million for the Warm Homes programme to improve energy
efficiency in lower-income households;
- an extra £700,000 for the Fuel Bank Foundation to help those
who pre-pay for their fuel and are at risk of disconnection -
building on the £5.6m provided since 2022; and
- an additional £1.7m to support
families and individuals facing food poverty, building on
the £2.8m the already allocated this year, bringing the total
to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.
For advice on financial support, people can contact the
Advicelink Cymru ‘Claim What's Yours' helpline on 0808 250
5700.
Ends.
Notes to editors
Warm Hubs are variously referred to as Warm Hubs, Warm Welcome
Centres, Warm Spaces, Croeso Cynnes and Cosy
Corners.
