Warm Spaces in Leeds
Welcome Spaces have once again played a vital role across Leeds this winter, supporting tens of thousands of people with access to warm, safe and welcoming places in their communities.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, the network delivered 4,732 sessions and welcomed 80,357 visits across the city, marking the highest figures recorded since the programme began.
This is the fourth year of the scheme, and the scale of delivery reflects both the continued need and the strength of the voluntary, community and faith sector response.
A Citywide Response to Ongoing Need
Welcome Spaces are free, open-access places where anyone can spend time without expectation or cost. Delivered through a network of over 200 venues, including libraries, community centres and local hubs, they offer a simple but essential service: somewhere warm, safe and welcoming to go.
Find out more about the programme and locations across Leeds.
As highlighted in our earlier update.
These spaces provide more than just warmth. They offer:
- A place to rest, read or work
- Opportunities for informal social connection
- Access to trusted staff and volunteers
- Gentle routes into wider support and signposting
For many people, this helps reduce isolation, build routine and maintain wellbeing during colder months.
Impact in Numbers
The latest monitoring data shows the reach and consistency of delivery across the network.
- 204 Welcome Spaces delivered across Leeds
- 4,732 sessions provided over winter
- 80,357 visits recorded
March alone saw:
- 166 spaces reporting activity
- 1,249 sessions delivered
- 21,381 visits
These figures are based on estimated data reported by the third sector and faith organisations, and highlight the scale of community-led support across the city.
Why This Work Matters
The continued demand for Welcome Spaces reflects wider pressures facing communities.
Rising living costs, increased reliance on support, and ongoing inequalities mean that access to safe, warm environments remains essential for many residents.
Welcome Spaces respond to this in a practical and accessible way. There is no referral needed, no requirement to participate, and no expectation to spend money. People can simply drop in and use the space in a way that works for them.
For VCSE organisations, these spaces also act as trusted points of contact where conversations can happen naturally and support can be offered in a non-pressured way.
A Collective Effort
This level of delivery is only possible through the work of organisations, staff and volunteers across Leeds.
From opening doors each day, to providing a warm welcome, to completing monitoring and sharing feedback, the contribution of the sector has been central to the success of the programme.
Stories gathered through monitoring have already been shared with partners, including Leeds City Council, helping to build a stronger picture of impact and inform future planning.
What Happens Next
An evaluation of the programme will be shared in the coming months, alongside opportunities to shape future delivery.
Feedback from organisations will play an important role in this, helping to ensure that the network continues to meet the needs of communities across Leeds.
Looking Ahead
Welcome Spaces show what is possible when community organisations are supported to respond to local need. They are simple in design, but powerful in impact.
As pressures continue, this work does not stop with winter.
The challenge now is to build on this momentum, strengthen connections, and continue creating spaces where people feel safe, supported and part of their community.
For organisations across the sector, this is an opportunity to keep that work going — to keep opening doors, building trust, and making a difference where it matters most.
