This winter, Manchester City Council's libraries will be free, warm, safe, comfortable and welcoming places where people can stay as long as they like and access free hot drinks, internet and 
information and advice. All Council libraries will be registered venues on the Warm Welcome Spaces Campaign's website. This campaign aims to turn poverty and isolation into warmth and local connection this winter and the campaign's website helps people to find a Warm Welcome Space which is local to them.
How can I support local communities this winter?
It is well recognised that the VCSE sector plays a hugely significant role in supporting local communities in all kinds of ways and will be extremely important this winter. If your organisation is interested in learning more about Warm Welcome Spaces and how you can be supported to offer one, you can take a look at the Warm Welcome Space website.
You can also see the open invitation to the 2023 Warm Welcome Launch Event on Wednesday 4 October from 7.30pm-8.30pm.
The Warm Welcome Campaign has also produced a step-by-step guide to setting up a warm welcome space. CILIP (The Library and information association) have also produced a guide to setting up a warm space.
Is there any funding available?
The government has launched a £76 million Cost of Living Fund for community organisations —including warm spaces— this winter. The fund is called The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund and you can read more about this and apply here. Organisations can apply for funding between £10,000 and £75,000. The deadline for applications is 16 October 2023 at 12 noon.