There are 44 Warm Welcome Spaces available in Ceredigion, providing an opportunity to socialise. The spaces are open to all. From places to have a cup of tea, a bowl of cawl, too work spaces for those wanting to get out of the house for the day.

Claire and Harry Toland, who volunteer at Ystafell Haearn Welcome Space in Eglwysfach, explained: “These sessions, which we started in November, have been fantastic. They are a reason to get together weekly in a relaxed, cosy environment for a warm drink and a chat. The age range spans 80 years! We have different things going on; fossils on one table, a book-share, lots of board games and a different music CD playing each week.”

Over £40,000 worth of grant money contributed towards the cost of running the Warm Welcome Spaces, and the activities.

Councillor Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, said: “These spaces are available for everyone to use and enjoy. They bring people together, from young to older, to work, to socialise. Find a space near you and join in!”

Hazel Lloyd-Lubran, CAVO Chief Executive, said: “We are very grateful all of the community groups across Ceredigion who are offering Warm Welcome Spaces. They have welcomed people of all backgrounds to come together and provide a social opportunity over the cold winter months, and they’ve helped us to start getting together again now the worst of the pandemic is over. “

You can find a Warm Welcome Space near you by using this link: https://haveyoursay.ceredigion.gov.uk/warm-welcome-spaces-map