Ards and North Down’s Community Support Steering Group has developed a WARM Welcome Here campaign to help people keep warm and connect with others this winter.

The WARM Welcome Here campaign promotes local warm spaces such as libraries, museums, leisure facilities, churches, community premises and other spaces with free or low-cost activities that the public can visit throughout the week.

 The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:

“Making the choice between eating or switching on the heating is becoming a reality for many people in the Borough. This campaign promotes safe and warm spaces for those struggling with the cost of heating their homes. It also provides people with an opportunity to connect with others and visit some of the great spaces that we have throughout Ards and North Down.”

WARM Welcome Spaces are located throughout the Borough, from the City of Bangor to the tip of the Peninsula in Portaferry. Each location offers different services such as phone charging facilities and hot drinks through to activities and games that can be enjoyed alone or with others.

To locate your local WARM Welcome Space and find a full list of spaces available throughout Ards and North Down, including the services offered at each location, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/warm-welcome-here.

Organisations that would like to register a WARM Welcome Space should also visit the Council’s website for more information or email communityplanning@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.