Community Health Partnerships are working with tenants and partners to help provide warmth and safety for communities struggling with the continued increase in the cost of living.
Buildings are being opened to support those in need after the festive period. CHP buildings include cafes, libraries and various other services alongside traditional primary healthcare.
At Sparkhill Primary Care Centre, Birmingham, a “warm room” has been created in void café space where patients from the three surgeries operating out of the building can attend the drop in and enjoy a heated room, a tea and coffee as well as a cup of soup.
The scheme is run by volunteers including two receptionists and retired staff who come in to the building to help. Staff from Oakwood Surgery also donated scarfs, gloves, biscuits and cakes as well as having a donation box behind reception so that staff can donate items for the coffee mornings. Having hosted only a single patient in the first week, the warm room now provides for an ever-growing number of patients with 20 attending more recent events.
Denise Cottam, Corporate Social Responsibility Delivery Manager at CHP, said: “Sparkhill Primary Care Centre is a fantastic example of how CHP as an organisation are always looking to support the communities around our buildings. The volunteers running the café deserve an enormous amount of credit and are a shining example of how a small gesture can go a long way having grown from a single visitor to 20 within three weeks.
“This winter has been, and is continues to be, very difficult for so many with the increase in the cost of living. It is vitally important we play our part in providing safety, warmth and a space for advice for those who need us most.”
Other buildings within CHP’s portfolio are also supporting initiatives for those who need it including the “Gateway” buildings in Salford. These buildings are hosting events such as book clubs and film nights for local residents.
What are warm spaces?
Warm spaces are places where people can gather free-of-charge in a warm, safe, welcoming place if they are struggling to heat their home.
CHP are always looking at ways of supporting the buildings at the heart of our communities and encourage tenants who want to add a warm space to their building this winter to contact communityspaces@communityhealthpartnerships.co.uk
Emergency Cost of Living Support within CHP buildings and the community
If you are in immediate need of support, please contact your local foodbank who can provide you with emergency food parcels and a small amount of credit for your household fuel.
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