AS many households struggle with the cost-of-living crisis and the increase in energy bills, organisations and community venues are offering Warm Spaces where anyone can go for free to get warm and save money on their heating costs.

The Warm Spaces will be heated, safe and friendly places where you can enjoy a hot drink and spend time reading, studying, knitting or chatting with others.

Every Warm Space is a non-judgemental space and whatever the reason you have for needing to visit, you'll be treated the same and never judged.

Here are details of local venues offering free warm welcome spaces:

  • Salvation Army in Abbey Road, Barrow. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10am until 2pm. Offers company, free hot drinks, cuppa soup, Wi-Fi, puzzles, games and books. On Wednesdays noon until 1pm free hot pasties and peas. Call 01229 4333550 for more info.
  • St James’ Church in Blake Street, Barrow. Open Thursdays from 1pm until 4pm. Offers free hot drinks and snacks.
  • Walney Community Trust at Sprint Mount Community Hall, Barrow. Open Monday 4pm to 6pm for a free hot meal, Wednesday 10am to 1pm for free soup and sandwiches and Saturday 5pm to 8pm for a free hot meal.
  • St Mary’s Church, Walney in Church Lane. Open Wednesday from 12pm until 3pm for drinks, toast, teacakes and toasties.
  • Furness Homeless Support Group in Bath Street, Barrow. Open Tuesdays from 11am until 1.30pm. Free hot food and drink available.
  • St Mary’s Clothes Community Bank in Buccleuch Street, Barrow. Open Monday to Thursday (unless there is church service) from 9.30am until noon. Refreshments and games available.
  • Sprint Mount Church in Salthouse Pavilion, Barrow. Open Fridays from 10am until 1pm for soup and sandwiches.
  • Dalton Community Church in Market Street. Open Wednesday from 2pm until 3.30pm for a free cuppa and chat in warm surroundings.
  • Askam & Ireleth’s Warm Welcome in the business units on Duddon Road. Open Tuesdays from 3.30pm util 6pm for free hot and cold drinks.
  • Ulverston Parish Church. Open Thursday afternoons from 2pm for free, unlimited hot drinks as well as snacks, newspapers, books and more will be available to anyone who wishes to visit the Warm Space. Volunteers from the church will be on hand to offer a friendly welcome, and the Warm Space will run as a free drop in with no need to pre book.

Carolyn Dykes, a member of the organising team at Ulverston Parish Church, said: “As the weather gets colder many people are finding it increasingly difficult to heat their homes because of rising energy costs.

“We hope that the free Warm Space will provide a comfortable environment for anyone who might otherwise be sitting at home feeling cold and isolated.”