Warm welcome in Southampton

As the national cost of living crisis intensifies, Southampton’s libraries and family hubs are extending a warm welcome to residents who are concerned about the cost of heating their homes and need a safe place to go during this challenging time.

People are welcome to call into any of these locations to receive a warm welcome (you may hear them referred to as warm places or warm banks). At council and community libraries, there is a programme of free activities (with free refreshments), plus access to books, newspapers and magazines, computer facilities and wi-fi.

The family hubs provide family support, information for parents on childcare, volunteering, training and job opportunities, and 'learning through play' opportunities. Please visit our map of Sure Start centres for more information.

Erskine Court and Potters Court, two modern, council-run housing with care schemes in Lordshill and Maybush respectively, are also opening their doors to allow the wider community to enjoy activities and a hot lunch in the on-site restaurants (charge payable for meal and some activities).

The map below shows council-run provisions. Other community-run warm spaces are available and can be found on the Warm Welcome website.

You can also find a list of local warm spaces by visiting the SO:Linked website.