Sutton Council libraries will be used as Warm Spaces for residents who may be struggling to keep warm at home in light of rising energy bills.

Launching in October, Sutton’s Warm Spaces will provide a warm welcome for all, and information about cost of living support will be available for those who need it. 

Residents are welcome to stay in the library for as long as they want to during opening hours, and will have access to wi-fi, computers and assistance with using them if they need it.

At four of Sutton’s Libraries - Sutton Central, Phoenix Centre, Sutton Life Centre and the Circle Library - trained Warm Spaces Volunteers will be on hand at specific times for a chat and to help direct residents to resources and organisations that can help them with the cost of living.

Volunteer Centre Sutton is recruiting Warm Spaces Volunteers. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Warm Spaces Volunteer, please complete this short expression of interest form so that we can contact you or give us a call on 020 8661 5900.

This is a joint initiative from Sutton Council, Community Action Sutton and Volunteer Centre Sutton.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said: 

“We have a great sense of community spirit here in Sutton, and I would like to thank all our volunteers, residents, businesses and local charities for supporting their neighbours and communities during this cost of living crisis.

“If you need to go somewhere to be warm and find out about local support, you are welcome in our libraries. If you are able to spare a few hours a week to be a Warm Spaces Volunteer, thank you. And if you are a local organisation or business who would like to offer your support or space to our Warm Spaces scheme, please let us know.

“Together, we will stand up for our residents and support all those in our communities.”

Anita Maullin, Chief Executive Officer at Volunteer Centre Sutton, said:

“Covid has shown us that our community is most inspired to volunteer when it comes to helping out others at a time of crisis. We are proud to be working closely once again with Community Action Sutton and Sutton Council to ensure the most vulnerable people in our community are supported.”

For more information about cost of living support in Sutton, visit www.sutton.gov.uk/support.