Warm Space at St Edmundsbury Cathedral

This winter, we’re opening up a warm space for those who may need it.

We’ll be open to all on Thursdays from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm and the warm space will be overseen by two members of cathedral staff or volunteers. The warm space will open for the first time on Thursday 3 November and remain open until at least March 2023.

The warm space is located in the diocesan library and is furnished with comfortable chairs, free tea and coffee, an opportunity to charge electronic devices and desks available for those wishing to work in a warm environment. There will also be board games and jigsaw puzzles available.

According to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, 3.2 million households were in fuel poverty in England in 2020. Fuel poverty is determined when a household is unable to afford to heat (or cool) their home to an adequate temperature. In 2022, with the rising costs of fuel, this number is set to hit 7 million. In England a household is considered to be in fuel poverty when they are living in a property with a fuel poverty energy efficiency rating of band D or below, and once they spend the required amount to heat their home, they are left with a residual income below the official poverty line.

You can find other warm spaces near you at the links below:

warmwelcome.uk

warmspaces.org

ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

Revered Sarah Geileskey, Assistant Priest at the St Edmundsbury Cathedral, has been instrumental in setting up the facility. She said, “As individuals we cannot solve the cost of living crisis so it makes sense to work together and to share what we have. In becoming part of the national network, the Cathedral is sharing this particular ‘warm space’ into which we hope you will bring and share with others your company, your advice, your support and encouragement. A warm welcome, a cup of tea: the simplest things will make the biggest difference this winter.”