A warm welcome for anyone at Lewisham's local libraries

We know many local people are worried about rising energy costs and heating their homes. We are extending a warm welcome to anyone who needs a warm, inviting space through the cost of living crisis. These spaces include all of our libraries, find your nearest library and see their opening times.  

Four out of ten Lewisham residents are either in fuel or food poverty and the rising cost of living and energy prices is causing worry among residents and local businesses. 

Lewisham Council, in conjunction with the Local Strategic Partnership, made up of community leaders and partners, has created a Warm Welcomes programme to identify local spaces that can provide warm spaces free of charge for local people in the face of rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis. Coordinated by Lewisham Local, this will see as many as 20 more new warm spaces open up across the borough. 

All spaces offer different things, some may be providing hot drinks or hot food, while others may be providing social activities and additional support. Check the warm spaces map to find your nearest space and get more information. 

The Council is very keen to make sure these spaces feel inviting and friendly, and that those accessing them do not feel stigmatised, or even that they are ‘not for them’ – over the next few months we will be organising events in the warm spaces such as home work clubs and family cinema nights.

Lewisham is lucky to have an incredible network of community groups, charities and other local organisations that offer a wide range of support. You can find this and other types of support and advice on our dedicated cost of living hub.