Those looking for a somewhere to warm up, have a hot drink and a chat will be able to choose from over 130 local venues across Cumbria this winter, following an incredible response from organisations across the county to the Warm Spots initiative.

Warm Spots is a joint project, led by Cumbria County Council, ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, Churches Together in Cumbria, Cumbria Community Foundation and Cumbria CVS. It encourages and supports local organisations to open their doors to people in need of warmth and help, as the cost-of-living crisis and high fuel costs continue to put many people under real strain.

There are now Warm Spot venues in all corners of the county, operating from village halls, community centres, churches, libraries, pubs, and sports centres, some open every day and some just a few hours a week. Everyone is welcome and you will not need to give any explanation of why you are there.

To help people find the Warm Spot nearest them a new website has been launched – www.cumbria.gov.uk/warmspots . The site provides an easy way to find out which Warm Spots are open and what they offer.

As a minimum, a Warm Spot will offer a warm space, a warm welcome, someone on hand to talk to if you wish, and, in most cases, a hot drink (free or at cost). But many are offering a much wider range of facilities, activities and support.