North Devon residents invited to warm up at library

Barnstaple Library is offering a warm space for locals this January. 

On 22 January, the library will host its Wellbeing Wednesday programme, providing a welcoming environment for people to meet, chat, and enjoy free refreshments from 10am to 2pm.

The event will feature a café serving drinks from 10am to 12pm, followed by hot soup from 12pm to 2pm. 

Volunteers from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Barnstaple depot will be on hand to assist, as part of the company’s employee volunteering programme.

The initiative is part of Warm Welcome Week, which aims to highlight the growing number of warm spaces available to those struggling with the cold this winter. 

These spaces offer not only warmth but also a chance to connect with others during what can be a challenging time of year.

Emily Green, NGED’s Volunteering and Sponsorship Co-ordinator, said: “As supporters of the Warm Welcome Campaign, we’re thrilled to have colleagues volunteering at this event at Barnstaple Library, which comes at a stage of winter that can be difficult for many people.”

David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign director, said: “We know demand for Warm Welcome Spaces will be high this January, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging. The dark winter days and nights of January can be extremely tough. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.”

Research by the Warm Welcome Campaign reveals that while 66 per cent of people live within a 30-minute walk of a warm space, only 20 per cent know how to find one.