Calderdale sports and fitness centres in Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden are now part of the network of warm and welcoming spaces in the borough.
Warm and welcoming spaces are safe, friendly places where people can gather for free. Some venues offer hot drinks, activities and other services such as free wi-fi.
There are lots of designated Warm and welcoming spaces in Calderdale, including all Calderdale libraries. Sports centres across the borough are now joining the network, providing a social warm space, with warm drinks and accessible toilets. Anyone is welcome to turn up, on the following days and times:
- Brighouse Pool and Fitness Centre – Thursdays 1.30-4.30pm and Fridays 11am-12.30pm
- Sowerby Bridge Pool and Fitness Centre – Tuesdays 3-5.30pm and Thursdays from 1-2.15pm.
- Todmorden Sports Centre – Wednesdays 2.30-4.30pm and Fridays 10am-12noon.
Calderdale’s Warm and Welcoming spaces were initially established in 2022 as ‘Warm Spaces’.
Calderdale Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Community Foundation for Calderdale provided a pot of funding which was available to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to provide warm spaces, amongst other affordable warmth schemes.
Warm Spaces have a positive impact on physical and mental health, with particular benefits identified through social connections, reducing energy used at home and financial support. Many spaces this year are also offering additional social activities and providing technology, such as Wi-Fi, to further support people.
To find out more about warm and welcoming spaces across the borough, including a map showing the locations, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/benefits/money/find-warm-space
