Welcoming Places Supporting Residents this Winter

A network of Welcoming Places across South Tyneside is providing communities spaces where people can come together to stay warm and safe over the winter period.

Welcoming Places are free public spaces where residents can go to get warm, save on their heating costs, avoid social isolation through companionship and receive support and advice.

There are more than 70 venues across the Borough providing a Welcoming Place, from local churches, communities centres and businesses to charities, libraries and children's centres, with some also offering refreshments, activities and access to Wi-Fi.

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council, said: "With many people feeling isolated as well as the pressure of rising fuel prices amid the cost-of-living crisis, the Borough's Welcoming Places are playing a key role in supporting residents this winter.

"These much-needed spaces are helping to provide a place for people to pop in, get warm, stay safe and well and connect with other people, combating loneliness as well as providing advice and signposting, not just during the colder months, but all year round.

"It's wonderful to see so many organisations working with us to reach and support residents in this way and we thank them all for their offer. This collective effort makes a real difference in our communities and those visiting any of these venues are sure to receive a warm welcome."

The Little Haven Hotel at South Shields seafront is the latest venue to join the Borough's network of Welcoming Places, offering a warm space, reduced cost food and stunning views of the mouth of the River Tyne.

The hotel has also been working closely with the Council and Nexus to make access to the venue easier during the winter months with the introduction of the new S1 bus service running from South Shields Town Centre direct to the hotel.

The bus service is running for a trial period until the end of February.

Eamonn Gribben, of Little Haven Hotel, said: "My team and I at the Little Haven Hotel have decided to welcome the elderly and vulnerable who are potentially struggling at this time of year, both with loneliness and in ways of financial concerns in regard to their heating bills.

"We would like to ensure that the hotel is always available and welcoming to anybody that requires a place to attend to feel safe, receive good food and warm drinks at a subsidised rate. Moving into the New Year we have Bingo By the Beach hosted by Blake Daniels, along with support and reassurance that we will do our very best to provide a very warm and friendly environment.

"We are pleased that we can work alongside the Local Authority and Nexus to provide the S1 bus service from South Shields Interchange directly to The Little Haven Hotel door."

Further information about South Tyneside Welcoming Places is available at Welcoming places in South Tyneside - South Tyneside Council Visitors are advised to contact venues direct regarding Christmas and New Year drop in dates and times.

Any groups or organisations that would like to join the network of Welcoming Places can email welcomingplaces@southtyneside.gov.uk for more details.