Libraries, churches and leisure centres are among the buildings to offer free sessions for people to pop in and stay warm, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Libraries, leisure centres and churches across Enfield are stepping up to provide free warm spaces for vulnerable people this winter.

Warm spaces support people who might not be able to afford to heat their homes, allowing them to relax and socialise away from the cold.

Albany Leisure Centre, run by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) under its Better brand, has joined the warm spaces initiative this year.

The Enfield Wash facility is now running two warm space sessions per week, on Mondays and Thursday from 10am-12pm, with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits being offered. The sessions will continue until March.

They also offer the opportunity to charge a phone or device, use free WiFi and even have a hot shower.

Vishal Karia, GLL Partnership Manager, said: “The cold winter months can be challenging for many people, especially those who struggle to heat their homes.

“As a charitable social enterprise we want to help local residents, so staff at Albany Leisure Centre will be on hand to welcome those in need during the coming months.”

Several churches are hosting similar warm space initiatives, including St Mary Magdalene Church in Windmill Hill, St Luke’s Church in Clay Hill, Grange Park Methodist Church, St George’s Church Hall in Freezywater and St Peter’s Church in Edmonton Green.

The council says that it wants to “make sure that nobody is left to suffer on their own this winter” with all 17 borough libraries offering “a warm and friendly welcome”.

Warm space activities and events are being held at the four hub libraries; Edmonton Green, Enfield Town, Ordnance Unity Centre and Palmers Green.

Library opening times vary but the four hubs are open at least six days a week, with Enfield Town open every day, including into the early evening. Edmonton Green and Enfield Town libraries also offer a food pantry and support for money, debt, wellbeing, food and housing.

A full list of local warm spaces can be found on the Warm Welcome website.

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