A network of ‘warm rooms’ where people in need can go in the winter months has been put together by Mansfield District Council and community groups.

The council’s Wellbeing team approached community organisations and providers who could offer a warm welcome for anyone struggling to heat their homes during the cost-of-living crisis.

Many of them already run events such as coffee mornings and support groups and were more than willing to be part of the Warm Rooms scheme to help those who cannot afford to heat their own homes.

The council’s Oak Tree Leisure Centre and its museum are among its own premises where Warm Rooms are being set up.

The project is part of the council’s response after declaring a Cost of Living Emergency in September.

It has also held a Cost of Living Summit to bring agencies and organisations together to form a co-ordinated response.

The Warm Rooms scheme will be reviewed throughout the winter until March.

Coun Marion Bradshaw, portfolio holder for Safer Communities, Housing and Wellbeing, said: “We don’t want to see anyone suffering unnecessarily in this district because they can’t afford to turn on their heating.

“These spaces will enable anyone feeling cold to have a cup of tea and warm up for a couple of hours.

“Many are offering free refreshments or the chance to have a chat, watch TV, read or play board games. Our partners will also be using the Warm Rooms as somewhere people can get advice and support around the cost of living.”

Any organisations that would like to be involved in the Warm Rooms scheme should email the council’s Health and Wellbeing team leader, Dominic Ayton, at [email protected].

More information about the scheme and how to deal with rising bills can be found at the council’s Cost of Living webpages at www.mansfield.gov.uk/costofliving.

Among the places taking part in the Mansfield Warm Rooms Project are:

Mansfield Museum, Leeming Street — Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 3pm, tables and chairs, magazines and board games. Free.

The Beacon Project, Wood Street — Saturdays, 10am to 12noon. Light refreshments and craft activities. Free.

Arena Church, Leeming Street — Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am to 12noon. Free.

Open Door Charity Shop and Community Café, Ladybrook Place —Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am to 3pm. Free toast, tea, and coffee.

Switch Up, Barringer Road — Thursdays, 11am to 2pm. Free tea, coffee, cake, and chat.
Chesterfield Road Methodist Church, Chesterfield Road South —Thursdays, free tea, coffee, cake, and chat.

Friends of Bellamy, Trowell Court Community Centre — Wednesday afternoons, free tea and coffee.

Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way South — Mondays, 1pm to 3pm, free community room and friendship group with free tea and coffee.

Ladybrook Enterprises, Ladybrook Community Centre, Ladybrook Lane — Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 3pm, and Thursdays, 3pm to 4.30pm, £1 plus drinks; Time for Tea and Me, Thursdays, 4.30pm to 6pm, £3.50.

Vibrant Warsop, Warsop Methodist Church, Portland Street — Mondays, 1pm to 3.30pm, Arts and Crafts group (adults), £3; Tuesdays, 9am to 12noon, with coffee and chat from 10am to 12noon, £3; Wednesdays, open 9am to 4pm, with Stay and Play for under-5s in the morning, (term-time only), £1 per adult; and Family History Group, 1pm to 3pm, £3; Thursdays,1.30pm to 3.30pm, Table Tennis Group, £4.

Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group, Park Road — Second Thursday of the month, 11am to 12noon. Free tea, coffee, and biscuits as well as hearing aid support.

Coopers Pub, Leeming Lane North, Mansfield Woodhouse — Chat and natter tables, all day, Monday to Friday, free TV, phone charge, squash, tea and coffee, in return for donation to Mansfield Soup Kitchen.