MORE than 40 warm spaces will be open this winter across Ceredigion.

In 2022, around 2,000 people made use of the warm spaces initiative across the county, getting out of the house for a cuppa and to socialise as well as saving money on heating bills.

The initiative has become a lifeline for many, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis, and will be continuing this winter with 41 venues opening their doors as warm welcome spaces.

Councillor Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member who chairs the Public Service Board’s poverty sub group, said: “It’s so important for us all to get together like this. I urge everyone to pop in their local warm welcome space. The organising, coffee and welcome you receive is mainly done by volunteers and ensures a lively, welcoming and warm session. It’s great opportunity for you to chat with friends old and new and to hear what’s happening locally.”

CAVO chief executive Hazel Lloyd-Lubran said: “Many of the community spaces that were part of our Warm Welcome campaign last year have continued to offer activities and opportunities for people to socialise. If you’re thinking of setting up a Warm Welcome Space in Ceredigion and need a little financial support, please get in touch with us.”

There are warm welcome spaces set up in the following locations:

  • St Tydfil’s Church, Llechryd: Fridays 10am to 12midday.
  • New Life Church, Cardigan: Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 6pm.
  • Mount Zion Baptist Church, Cardigan: Tuesday, November 28, December 5, 12, 19 and January 9, 16, 23 and 30 between 4.30pm and 8pm.
  • Bendith, Cardigan: Fridays.
  • Depot, Cardigan: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm.
  • Ferwig Old School: Third Wednesday morning of the month.
  • Aberporth Community Fridge: Monday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 12midday, Tuesday between 10am and 4pm and Wednesday between 10am and 2.30pm.
  • Ffynnon, Llandysul: Monday and Friday between 9am and 12midday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 8.30am and 4pm, Thursday between 9.30am and 11.30am.
  • Llandysul Library: Tuesday between 10am and 4pm and between 10am and 12midday on the second and fourth Saturdays.
  • St Thomas’, Lampeter: Tuesday between 10am and 12midday.
  • New Quay Memorial Hall: Thursday between 12midday and 2pm.
  • Holy Trinity Church Hall, Aberaeron: Friday between 10am and 4pm.
  • Pennant Community Centre, Llanon: Thursday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
  • Vale of Aeron, Felinfach, Lampeter: Monday to Thursday between 6pm and 11pm, Friday between 4pm and 12am, Saturday between 3pm and 1am and Sunday between 3pm and 7pm.
  • Longwood, Lampeter: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

To see the full list of warm spaces and the specific activities that each offer, visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll=52.338301862654085%2C-2.8584957993252536&z=9&mid=1ejjPSr0SKhdk0XyG-teqNbhzlP5dkyY

If unable to access the online map, call Clic on 01545 570881 and ask about the Warm Welcome Spaces. Anyone thinking of setting up a Warm Welcome Space can contact CAVO on 01570 423232.