Torbay launches Warm Spaces to offer comfort and company this winter

A new scheme has been launched across Torbay to provide free, safe places for people to keep warm during the winter months.

The Warm Spaces initiative is funded through grants to community partners and offers drop-in venues where visitors can access warmth, hot drinks and, in some cases, food or activities. Many sites will also be able to signpost people to further help if needed.

A Warm Spaces Charter has been created to outline what visitors can expect. It promises a warm welcome, equal treatment, privacy and venues that follow safeguarding and hygiene rules. The charter says people will not be judged for attending and their visit will not be shared with anyone else.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, cabinet member for adult and community services, public health and inequalities, said: “For whatever reason people may need to use a warm space, whether they are struggling to keep their homes warm, or just need a bit of company, the Warm Spaces scheme aims to support local people through the difficult winter months.”

Warm Spaces will be available at community venues across Brixham, Paignton and Torquay until March 31.

Locations include: 

Brixham:

• Brixham Does Care, Monday-Wednesday, 10am-12pm
• The Edge Brixham CIC, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10.30am-4pm, Wed: 12pm-4pm

Paignton

• Community Café at Preston Baptist Church, Thursdays, 9am-1pm, Closed 25 Dec & 1 Jan
• Great Parks Community Association, Mondays 10am-12pm, Fridays 9am-11am, Closed 23 Dec - 2 Jan
• Torbay Furniture Project CIC, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-3pm
• Church 180, Monday: 1pm-3pm, Tuesday: 10am-12pm
• Gaia Giving CIC, Monday-Saturday, 9am-3pm, Closed 21 Dec - 2 Jan
• The Salvation Army Paignton, Every Wednesday, 10.30am-1pm

Torquay

• Riviera Life Link (Home Church), Thursdays, 8.30am-2pm, Closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day
• SPACE Launching Futures CIC, Monday & Friday: 9am-12pm, Closed 26 Dec & 2 Jan
• Turning Heads - Social Supermarket, Tuesday-Friday, 9.30am-2.30pm
• Turning Heads - Skills Hub, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
• Ellacombe Community Partnership, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-3pm, Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
• Living Room – St Mary Magdalene Church, Monday & Wednesday, 10am-1pm
• Barton Acorn Youth Community & Sports Centre, Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm Closed 24-28 Dec & New Year’s Day
• The Salvation Army Torquay, Monday & Friday, 10.30am-1pm (except bank holidays)