Birmingham’s network of Warm Welcomes has now expanded to more than 200 spaces across the city, since it was launched last October.
As of today (27 April 2023) a total of 201 council, community, faith and third sector spaces had joined the network to offer a Warm Welcome to anyone.
The 200th space to register was Dads Lane Community Association, in Pineapple Road, Stirchley, which has recently been fully refurbished to provide a large community space, social café and kitchen, currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
This network features a range of different spaces such Lil’s Parlour, a pay-as-you-can bakery in Northfield and Smart Women CIC, a gym, spa and outdoor space run by and for women in Sparkbrook, which are among those offering a warm welcome to their local communities.
While weather may improve during the spring and summer months, neither cost of living crisis nor need for the support provided by the network has not gone away – so Warm Welcomes sites will continue to operate throughout the year.
Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: "Since Warm Welcomes were launched last year, it’s been fantastic to see the network continue to grow across the city.
“By working with our partners in community, faith and voluntary sectors, we’ve seen a wide range of spaces sign up to offer Warm Welcomes and the positive impact they are having in their local communities.
“Many organisations and groups offer this support all year round, but the tightening grip the cost of living has on so many of our citizens mean these places are needed more than ever. This network aims to provide community – whether that’s having someone to talk to or listen to your situation – wherever they are in our city.”
Steve Squires, development worker at Dads Lane Community Association, said: “We have been part of the Pineapple Estate community on the Stirchley/Kings Heath border for well over 50 years, so we are delighted to open as the city’s 200th Warm Welcome three days a week. We offer tea, coffee and biscuits on a pay-as-you-feel basis as well as friendly chat, if people want.
“Our popular community space has recently undergone a major renovation, thanks to hard work by local volunteers and tradespeople, and funding from National Lottery, Heart of England Community Foundation and National Grid, so we are glad to be able to open our doors again to the local community – everyone is welcome.”
Details of all the Warm Welcome spaces across the city can be found on the council’s website – as can details of how organisations can register their space as a Warm Welcome: visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/livingsupport
Anyone interested in volunteering within any of the Warm Welcomes can find details of opportunities on the Big Help Out website, which aims to see citizens spend some time volunteering on Monday 8 May, as part of the King’s Coronation weekend.
To find out more details visit the Big Help Out website, by clicking here.
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