A network of Warm Spaces has opened in Stevenage to help residents deal with the cost-of-living crisis.

It is free to access the warm spaces, which are being provided by Stevenage Borough Council in co-operation with other organisations.

They opened on Monday, November 28, and a warm space will be available every day of the week throughout the winter.

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Locations include Daneshill House, Stevenage Museum, Stevenage Library, community centres and churches.

At most venues, food and drink will be provided, and residents will also be able to bring their own food and drink.

Staff will also be on hand to signpost anyone needing extra support with benefits, their health, and fuel and other costs.

A similar scheme is being planned by North Herts Council.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the leader of SBC, said: “We know that this winter will be difficult for many with the rise in energy bills and cost of living crisis, and some residents will be faced with tough decisions about whether they can afford to heat their homes.

“The Warm Spaces are free for anyone to use and will provide a welcoming place for people to stay warm, enjoy a hot drink and food, and socialise with others if they wish.

“We hope to add more Warm Spaces over the winter as the network grows, so please keep checking our website to find out the latest spaces available.”

More information can be found on SBC's website.

Full list of warm spaces

Daneshill House (town centre)

Open Mondays and Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.

Stevenage Library (town centre)

Open Mondays from 10am-7pm, Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am-6pm, Saturdays from 10am-5pm and Sundays from midday-4pm.

​Stevenage Museum (town centre)

Open Wednesdays to Fridays from 10am-4.30pm and Saturdays from 10am-5pm.

Indoor market (town centre)

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9am-4pm at the Covid Cobra stall alongside the food court.

Asda (Monkswood Way, near town centre)

In-store café offering over 60s soup, a roll and unlimited hot drinks for £1 in November and December. Open from 8.30am-6pm Mondays to Saturdays, and from 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Old Town Library (Old Town)

Open Mondays to Tuesdays and Thursdays to Fridays from 2pm-6pm, and Saturdays from 9am-1pm.

Holy Trinity Church (Old Town)

Open Thursdays from 10am-midday for art club.

Bedwell Community Centre (Bedwell)

Open for coffee mornings on Tuesday and Fridays from 9am-2pm. Open on Thursdays for INS Tea and Chat from 10am to 12.30pm.

St Nicholas Community Centre (St Nicholas)

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm-2pm.

Christ the King Church (Symonds Green)

Open Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm for coffee, craft and chat.

St Hugh and St Johns Church (Chells)

Open Thursdays from 3pm-6pm.

Grace Community Church (Shephall)

Open Fridays from 11.30am to 2pm.