Leeds Beckett research highlights positive impact of Calderdale's Warm Spaces

The research evaluated the success of Calderdale’s Warm Spaces provision in 2022/23 and as a result has helped shape improvements for the current winter season and beyond, with many more sites joining the Warm and Welcoming network across the borough.

Warm and Welcoming spaces offer free, accessible, and welcoming places for people to gather. Open to all, many locations provide warm drinks, accessible toilets, and social opportunities. Following the report's findings, several Warm Spaces in Calderdale now also offer additional social activities and access to technology and Wi-Fi to further support people. There are many designated Warm and Welcoming Spaces open at sites across Calderdale including all Calderdale libraries and a number of sports centres.

Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall, Director of the Centre for Health Promotion Research at Leeds Beckett University, said: "We are really pleased to see the positive impact that our evaluation of warm spaces in Calderdale is having. Our research shows that offering welcoming and safe spaces for people to gather can boost social connections and wellbeing in the community as well as helping to improve health and reduce poverty for people most at risk."

The research assessed the impact of Warm Spaces by speaking to both attendees and organisers. Surveys, focus groups, and data analysis of footfall revealed a range of benefits, including improved physical and mental health, strengthened social connections, and practical financial support through reduced energy costs at home.

Calderdale's Warm Spaces initiative first began in 2022, supported by funding from Calderdale Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the Community Foundation for Calderdale. The project has since expanded, with new venues such as sports centres in Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge, and Todmorden joining the existing network of designated spaces.

Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said: "It's great that the Council has been able to expand its provision of warm and welcoming spaces this winter, with sports centres joining our 12 libraries in offering welcoming spaces with warm drinks and activities.

"We're also grateful for the many other organisations who support the warm and welcoming spaces programme at venues across the borough. Research has shown that having this local provision is really beneficial for people's health and wellbeing, not only helping with cost-of-living pressures, but also providing a friendly and welcoming space where people can meet, chat and enjoy activities."

For more information about Warm Spaces in Calderdale, including a map of locations, visit Calderdale Warm Spaces.