Residents will be able to use local free warm spaces in the winter

Residents in Newtown, Welshpool and surrounding communities are being encouraged to make use of local Warm Spaces this winter as Powys County Council updates its network of participating venues.

The council is refreshing its directory of community venues offering somewhere warm for residents to spend time during the colder months, while encouraging more organisations and businesses to join the scheme.

Warm Spaces provide somewhere people can meet others, access support and take part in activities, particularly those struggling with heating costs or experiencing social isolation.

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "Warm Spaces provide much more than somewhere to escape the cold. They offer a welcoming and inclusive place where people can meet others, access support and feel connected during the winter months."

The council's online directory includes venues across north Powys, including Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin.

In Newtown, registered venues include Newtown Library in Park Street, Ponthafren in Broad Street, Hafan yr Afon in the town park, Platform 1 at the railway station and the Newtown Community Café at the bowling club in Back Lane.

The directory also includes Compass Community Care, which provides drop-in sessions and activities in Newtown and Caersws.

In Welshpool, venues include the town's library and museum at Y Lanfa, Welshpool Town Council's community hub at the Town Hall and Ponthafren at The Armoury in Brook Street.

Other north Powys locations listed include Llanidloes Library, The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes, Llangurig Community Centre, Llanfyllin Library, The Crosskeys in Llanfyllin and the Black Lion in Llanfair Caereinion.

Facilities and opening times vary between venues, with some providing free refreshments, internet access and activities, while others offer advice on benefits, housing and other support services.

The council said Warm Spaces were intended to provide "safe, accessible and inclusive environments that are open to everyone."

It added that many venues also provide refreshments, advice and support services, as well as activities such as exercise sessions, arts and crafts and cultural events.

The full directory, including details of participating venues and their opening times, can be accessed at [https://en.powys.gov.uk/powyswarmspaces](https://en.powys.gov.uk/powyswarmspaces).

Powys County Council is also encouraging more community groups, organisations and businesses to register if they can provide a Warm Space this winter.

Grant funding is available to support participating organisations, including improvements to make venues more comfortable, accessible and suitable for community use.

Cllr Dorrance said: "We are keen to work with organisations and community groups across Powys to make these spaces available to residents this winter.

"If you could provide a safe, accessible and welcoming space in your community, I would encourage you to get in touch and find out what support may be available."

Organisations that previously participated in the scheme are being contacted by the council to establish whether they intend to continue and whether their details have changed.

New organisations interested in joining the network can register at https://en.powys.gov.uk/creatingwarmspaces 

Existing providers can also update their details by emailing costofliving@powys.gov.uk.