Warm Welcomes in Lewisham 2023 - Lewisham Children & Family Centre

ABOUT THE WARM WELCOMES

To support individuals affected by increased living costs in Winter, Lewisham Local are coordinating a network of local establishments to set up as Warm Welcomes. The Warm Welcomes was first piloted in Winter 2022/23 and will run again from 1st December 2023 until 31st March 2024.

WHAT ARE WARM WELCOMES?

Community centres, libraries, faith groups and more offer drop-in spaces free of charge where they provide hot drinks, some hot food, social activities and additional support.

Check the Warm Welcomes list below to find your nearest space and get more information. Please check each listing for an overview of opening times and services provided. Other terms also being used include: Winter Welcomes, Warm Spaces.

Lewisham Council’s libraries are also open as Warm Welcomes. These are included on the Warm Welcomes map below and on the Council’s website to find your nearest library and see their opening times.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

Many local community groups have independently set up their own Warm Welcomes and some are working in partnership around local areas.

Lewisham Local maps and promotes the Warm Welcomes, provides grant funding and additional wrap-around support for the network. The 2023/24 Warm Welcomes is kindly funded by Lewisham Council. South East London Integrated Care Board and South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.

For further information, questions or concerns, please contact warmwelcomes@lewishamlocal.com

Warm Welcome Spaces are opening their doors to local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. Why not explore your local Warm Welcome Space, it’s a great place to connect with your community and to make new friends. Warm Welcome wants everyone to access a warm and welcoming space in their local community, to connect with others, make new friends, and feel part of your community.

It’s your open invitation to come in, keep warm, connect with others, and make new friends.

The Warm Welcomes map and list allows you to search for Warm Welcome Spaces near you. You can search by activity, area or whether there are hot meals and drinks available! With 50 venues to choose from there will definitely be several near you. Many are family friendly and guests of all ages are welcome.

Find out more here

“My child and I have really enjoyed coming to Little Explorers. It has helped my child to get used to see other babies and have interaction with them, which has been really important for him after the pandemic.”

“It's absolutely fab to be able to have access to all of the Domestic Abuse services in one place and to just click on a link to get to the website.”

“The Children Centre is our favourite place to come, we have been coming here since my child was 6 months old, he is now 4 years old and is still enjoying! Well done staff”

“I have just found the ‘taking care of ourselves’ section, which is massively important for us all, especially compassion fatigue.”

“The help and support that my family support worker gave me was above and beyond, she was always there to listen to me and make me feel like I was good enough and I was being heard.”

“The Outreach Team have such outgoing, friendly and fun personalities and made each Outdoor Learning session a great experience.”

“The Explorers session has helped my child a lot with his communication and his development. It’s really been impactful for him; we are really grateful to have this opportunity to attend the session and meet other parents as well.”

“The sessions help my daughter with speaking English, as well as helping her to listen and follow directions. I am very happy, my baby is very happy, and I feel relief when I come.”

“The Children Centre is very beneficial for my child, she has developed lots of skills e.g., sharing toys and naming colours. Also, the staff are very friendly and helpful.”

Welcome to the Lewisham Children and Family Centre Website

ABOUT THE WARM WELCOMES

WHAT ARE WARM WELCOMES?

WHO IS INVOLVED?