Warm Welcome in Birmingham

BVSC is working with Birmingham City Council and partners from across the public, private and Voluntary, Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sectors in Birmingham to extend a Warm Welcome in a number of Warm Welcome spaces across the City this winter period and beyond.

The Birmingham approach to warm spaces

The Birmingham approach is dignified and does not enhance the stigma and shame associated with poverty and financial difficulty.

Warm Welcome Spaces are:

inclusive and non-judgmental
heated and free to access

The services at each space will vary but may include:

information on further support and available guidance
opportunities to participate in activities and learn new things
free internet access, computers and charging points
a friendly environment to connect with others within the community

The aim is to ensure that our communities have access to safe, welcoming, warm spaces where the focus is not upon poverty or an inability to afford heat. It does this by offering hospitality and connection; connecting people to each other, services, wellbeing activity, opportunity, and warmth.

The Warm Spaces Network

At the Cost of Living Event on 1 November, Fred Rattley (Director of Community Regeneration,
Church of England Birmingham and Chief Executive, Thrive Together Birmingham) gave a presentation which explained Birmingham's approach to the Warm Spaces Network. Download his presentation to find out more.

Many groups and organisations have already committed to registering a Warm Welcome space. There is a directory on the Birmingham City Council Website:

Search the Directory of Warm Spaces

Can your group or organisation provide a Warm Welcome space?

To join the register your space needs to be:

Free – and no hidden costs.
Warm – heated (recommended 18ºC-21ºC) and able to provide basic refreshments such as tea and coffee where possible.
Welcoming – inclusive, non-judgmental, confidential spaces where everyone can expect a warm welcome from staff/volunteers and also the opportunity for visitors to participate. They will be able to provide basic signposting information to people who need further support and help.
Safe - appropriate insurance cover in place, abide by their usual safeguarding and health & safety policies and appropriate food and hygiene rules.
Consistent – open and accessible consistently for the days/hours advertised

To register your interest in becoming a Warm Welcome space, complete the following online form:

Cost of Living Support & Resources for the VSFSE Sector

On Tuesday 1 November BVSC hosted a Cost of Living Event for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector. The full day event included a range of keynote speakers and practical workshops and was attended by more than 140 delegates. Presentations from the day as well as other resources are available on our Cost of Living Resources web page.

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