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Warm spaces open up in Downham Market, Clenchwarton and libraries across West Norfolk




A number of spaces across West Norfolk have opened their doors to keep people warm during winter months.

Libraries, care homes and churches are some of the places offering hot food and a warm space to stay.

It includes Norfolk County Council’s latest move to open all of its 47 libraries to join the Warm Welcome campaign.

Sarah Hobday chats to Dave Wyley and Audrey Lake at Downham Grange care home
Sarah Hobday chats to Dave Wyley and Audrey Lake at Downham Grange care home

The campaign is to ensure that nobody is left to suffer on their own this winter.

Libraries are offering hot drinks and instant soup, A variety of bags are available for free, with no questions asked, and advice from library staff with trusted information and support.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: “Our libraries have a long history of being welcoming spaces for all, most recently evidenced by the awarding of Library of Sanctuary status for the Millennium Library in Norwich.

Sarah Hobday chats to Dave Wyley at Downham Grange care home
Sarah Hobday chats to Dave Wyley at Downham Grange care home

“We are proud to be able to join the Warm Welcome campaign, alongside the other support which is on offer from our libraries.”

St Margaret’s Church in Clenchwarton is also joining the scheme, with the church planning to open daily as a warm space. It’s open everyday from 10am-4pm with tea and coffee provided.

The church is being supported by a grant from Clenchwarton Parish Council and churchwarden Debra McGowan is also seeking out additional funding from Norfolk County Council.

Co-ordinator of Clenchwarton Neighbourhood Watch, Steve Fox, was pleased to hear that the church is opening up. He said: “I am very pleased to support this initiative. There are very many members of our community who are facing significant financial challenges as we head into the winter season and anything we can do to help alleviate the situation is very much welcomed.”

The Grange care home in Downham is also supporting the warm spaces scheme and is offering hot drinks, soup and a roll for those who attend near lunchtime.

Kingsley Healthcare, which manages The Grange, is opening all of its care homes up across the country to anybody.

Downham Grange Care Home opens up to people as a warm space. (60709893)
Downham Grange Care Home opens up to people as a warm space. (60709893)

Regional operations director, Georgina Johnston, explained: “When we heard about the Warm Spaces initiative we thought care homes would be great places to support it.

“Our staff are really looking forward to giving a warm welcome to anyone who comes along. We want them to feel at home so we will be offering them papers to read and inviting them to take part in any activities going on.

“We would just ask people to ring our homes beforehand and let them know they are coming.”



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