In autumn of 2022 St Mary Magdalene’s Parish Church in Keyworth, set out to run a Warm Space each Friday from December 2022 through to the end of March 2023 (11am to 4.30pm) in the Parochial Hall. The aim being to address the pressures of high energy costs and social isolation.
A successful grant application to a major energy company gained £3,340 to be spent on the project to cover refreshment supplies, blankets, hot water bottles,
snuggle hoodies and radiator efficiency kits to distribute to visitors at the Warm Space. The grant also provided funds for the energy costs at the hall.
In addition, grants of £200 were also gained from Keyworth Parish Council (to cover costs of bringing folk to Warm Space on the Community Bus) and from Cllr John Cottee’s Notts County Council fund to pay for a microwave oven, toaster and associated items. We thank all these generous funders for their help.
Over 30 volunteers, drawn from Keyworth Churches and the wider community, covered a rota of hosts for each Friday and we ensured that all volunteers complied with the requirements of Church of England Safeguarding procedures. Over 50% of the project volunteers were from St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Church.
As at 24th March 148 volunteer shifts have hosted 357 visitors,
plus Cutie the gorgeous little dog (photo below), who enjoyed free drinks, snacks and gifts of 240 items of Keep Warm supplies. Many people have become
regular guests and in addition to providing a warm place to spend time many have benefited from social contact and have taken advantage of our stock of
games and books.
Overall, it appears to have been a successful new initiative which may well be repeated next winter.
Written by organisers Jane, Elaine & Nic.