Warm Space – St. Thomas Church

Funded By: Blackpool Council – Household Support Fund (Winter 2024/25)

Project Summary

The Warm Hub was a brand-new initiative, born from a local resident’s suggestion at a PACT meeting. It came to life through the combined efforts of St. Thomas Church, Blackpool CAN, local councillors, and funding from Blackpool Council.

Held weekly at St. Thomas Church (Thursdays, 1–4 PM), the hub offered a warm, safe space with free hot soup, refreshments, and friendly faces. The church was chosen over the neighbouring Comfort Café venue, which supports a different client group, to help encourage a wider audience to stay, connect, and enjoy community.

Project Delivery & Development

• Initial funding supported delivery until the end of February, but local donations allowed us to continue for four additional weeks, finishing at the end of March.

• Early sessions were facilitated by Louise (Blackpool CAN) and Nicola (Church Warden), with the goal of nurturing volunteer involvement.

• Attendance grew from 10–12 to a consistent 20–25 per week.

• By the end of the project, five attendees had completed their Food Hygiene Certificate and began volunteering regularly, helping with refreshments and engaging other guests.

Key Outcomes

• Every attendee received a Warm Pack, including hand warmers, flasks, and useful winter items — all very well received.

• We initially aimed to support older residents, but were thrilled to welcome a diverse age group, including families with young children.

• We created special warm packs for children, helping them feel included and valued.

• The hub evolved into a space of trust, familiarity, and meaningful interaction — offering more than just physical warmth.

Personal Stories & Feedback

The heart of the Warm Hub was in the connections made and the personal progress we witnessed week by week. One attendee came in with low patience and minimal social interaction, but over time, began stepping out of her comfort zone. She completed her Food Hygiene Certificate, started volunteering weekly, and grew more open with others — serving refreshments and chatting with confidence. She shared:

“I only came to see what it was about . but I stayed because of the games, the people, and how it made me feel. It gave me a purpose — I’ve grown in confidence.”

Another regular attendee, a gentleman who initially only spoke to Nicola (our church warden), gradually began forming friendships, learned to play chess, and even started teaching others. Despite mobility issues, he visibly grew stronger and more active each week. When asked what the Warm Hub meant to him, he said:

“At home I was bored and cold — here, I have warmth and company.”

Closing Remarks

The Warm Hub started as a response to the cost of living crisis, but became something far deeper — a community lifeline, created with the community and sustained by it.

We are incredibly grateful to Blackpool Council, our partners, and our volunteers for making this project such a success.

Sustainability & What’s Next

This was the first time St. Thomas Church hosted a Warm Space, and following the success of this initiative, they have agreed that it will become an annual project.

The regular attendees expressed disappointment when the Warm Hub sessions ended. In response, they came together to discuss ideas for a follow-on group — resulting in the creation of a new community gathering called ‘Games and a Cuppa.’ The idea, including the poster design and name, was entirely developed by attendees and volunteers. The new group is set to begin after the Easter half term and will continue to offer a welcoming space focused on connection, fun, and friendship