As Christmas approaches, individuals, families and communities are continuing to stay warm, and share space and facilities thanks to benefit from Aberdeen City Council’s Warm Spaces initiative.
The initiative which began in November 2022 now sees over 30 heated buildings across the city including community centres, sports halls, libraries and even Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Music Hall and His Majesty’s Theatre help people cope with rising energy costs and growing fuel bills which contribute to the high cost of living.
Council co-leader and anti-poverty and inequality convener, Councillor Christian Allard said: “The winter and festive periods can be challenging times for many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. That’s why it is important that we put our and our partners’ buildings - which are already heated - at their disposal and so help those worse affected by the impacts of energy costs.
“Importantly, these buildings do more than just help keep people warm – they also offer free facilities such as wifi, showers, baby changing areas, quiet study areas, period products and children’s play areas."
Councillor Desmond Bouse, anti-poverty and inequality vice-convener, said: “I am proud of our Warm Spaces initiative and the positive impact it has on our communities especially during the winter months.
“As well as offsetting heating costs, they also act as places where individuals and families can come together in a safe environment to play, socialise and study.”
Other facilities which can be accessed the Warm Spaces include print and digital resources, programmes of events and activities and free toothbrushes and toothpaste to under 5s in partnership with Childsmile.
To find out more about the Warm Spaces locations, opening hours and the facilities offered at each building visit Aberdeen City Council’s interactive webpage: Warm Spaces | Aberdeen City Council