Health and Wellbeing

A Safe, Warm, Well-come

Creating Warm Spaces for people in Mid & East Antrim

There is a cost-of-living crisis across the UK resulting in unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty.

This winter, despite the support given by Government, many people in Mid and East Antrim will have to make tough decisions about when they can afford to heat their home.

Within our Borough, we have strong and proud communities, with a tradition of helping each other as well as supporting themselves.

Safe, Warm, Well-Come Centres      Why we need Warm Spaces     Sharing Warm Spaces     Becoming a Warm Space 

Warm Space small grant     Directory of Resources & Assistance

We want to do more to help our communities and residents, delivering upon our vision to ensure that we:

  • Put people and families first
  • Tackle inequality so people have a fair chance
  • Build capacity within our communities to improve resilience and to support themselves and each other
  • Work together to address the issues that organisations working individually cannot achieve alone

In doing so, we wish to work with our local communities, building on the great work we did during the pandemic, to help people reconnect after Covid, whilst at the same time creating a network of Warm Spaces - places where our residents can come together to stay warm, perhaps enjoy a cup of tea and some companionship, and be supported.

Why we need Warm Spaces

By January 2023 it is estimated that over half of households in the UK (15 million) will be in fuel poverty – spending over 10 per cent of net income on fuel. In Northern Ireland, this figure could be over 70%. This means over 1.4 million people here will be struggling to afford their energy bills.

The crippling cost of living is pushing people in Northern Ireland into making increasingly desperate decisions week-to-week. We are all hearing heartbreaking stories of people skipping meals, turning off their heating, sitting in the dark with no electricity and making their own sanitary products because they simply can’t afford to get by any other way.

Although the proposals for central government assistance are still evolving, the reality is that for most families any direct support they receive to go towards their energy costs may not be enough to make a difference.


Register of Safe, Warm, Well-Come Centres

Name and Address of Centre

Operating dates and times

Brief Description of Activity

Contact details for more information

Carnlough Library

Town Hall
Carnlough
Antrim
BT44 0EU

Tuesday:
1pm - 8pm

Thursday:
10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm

Saturday:
10am - 4pm

Tea and newspapers - Every Thursday from 10am to 1pm

Mindful colouring - Every Thursday from 10am to 1pm

Rhythm and Rhyme - Every Saturday from 10.30am to 11am

Adult Reading Group - Fourth Tuesday of every month from 2pm to 3pm

Knit and Natter - Every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm

T: 028 2888 5552

E: Carnlough.library@librariesni.org.uk

Carrickfergus Library

2 Joymount Court
Carrickfergus
BT38 7DQ

 

 

Monday:
10am - 8pm
Tuesday:
10am - 5.30pm
Wednesday:
10am - 8pm
Thursday:
10am - 5.30pm
Friday:
9.30am - 5pm
Saturday:
9.30am - 5pm

Rhythm and Rhyme – Thursday and Friday 11am

Tea and Newspapers – Tuesday 10.30am

Knit and Natter – Tuesday 10.30am

Storytime and Craft –  Tuesday 3.30pm

Lego Club –  Friday 3.30pm

T: 028 9336 2261

E: Carrickfergus.library@librariesni.org.uk

Greenisland Football Club 

(in Clubhouse)

Mondays 2pm - 4pm fortnightly 

January – March 2023

Visually impaired cuppa club

Indoor games and physical activity - suitable sports, such as boccia - socialising and light refreshment

David Starrs

M: 07778 210 262

Harryville Community Centre

Wednesdays: 7.30pm – 9pm

11 & 25 January 2023

8 & 22 February 2023

8 & 22 March 2023

Community Drop in

for Fun, Food and Fellowship

Board games

Arts and crafts

Acoustic sets

Colin Crawford, Harryville residents association

E: harryvilleresidentsassociation@gmail.com

Holy Trinity Church

Prospect Road, Carrickfergus

Every Wednesday 10am – 1pm

Light meals, tea and refreshments, board games, newspapers and companionship.

All welcome.

Drew Buchanan

E: office@holytrinitycarrick.org.uk

Larne Baptist Church

Upper Cairncastle Road
Larne

Fridays:

10am – 11.30am - P@tch Parent & Toddler Group

6.30pm – 7.30pm - Quest Children's Club

8pm – 10pm - Café+

P@tch Parent and toddlers group

Free, warm space for people to connect in the community. Also offer tea, coffee and refreshments for the adults as well as a large, varied snack for the toddlers.

Quest Children’s Club

Club for all children of primary school age. It is free and includes activities such as lego building, dancing, crafts, designing milkshakes etc

Café+ for over 18’s

Free warm space with tea, coffee, buns, pool, darts, quizzes, table tennis, board games and crafts

Simon Curry

M: 07400 402 325

Larne Library

36 Pound Street
Larne
Co. Antrim
BT40 1SQ

Monday:
10am - 5pm
Tuesday:
10am - 5pm
Wednesday:
10am - 5pm
Thursday:
2pm - 8pm
Friday:
10am - 5pm
Saturday:
10am - 4pm

Tea and newspapers - Every Tuesday 11am 

Sewing box - Every Tuesday 11am 

Rhythm and Rhyme - Every Monday and Friday 11am

Knit and Natter - Every Wednesday

T: 028 2827 7047

E: larne.library@librraiesni.org.uk

Larne Community Care Centre

(the Point) 1-5 Doric Way,
Larne
BT402BH

Starting Monday 13 March 2023 plus the following dates:

27 March 2023

10 April 2023

24 April 2023

8 May 2023

Various activities, with food and refreshments.

Information available on other support agencies.

Laura Rice

T: 028 2827 3362

 

Linn Road Community Centre

241 Linn Road
Larne
Co Antrim
BT40 2AH

Monday 9 January 2023 – 27 March 2023

12noon - 2pm

Various activities, speakers, tea/coffee soup

Information available on other support agencies
E: Deborah@larnecdp.org.uk

Ballymena Central Library

5 Pat's Brae
Ballymena
Co. Antrim
BT43 5AX

Monday:
10am - 8pm
Tuesday:
9.30am - 5.30pm
Wednesday:
9.30am - 5.30pm
Thursday:
10am - 8pm
Friday:
9.30am - 5pm
Saturday:
9.30am - 4pm
Sunday:
Closed

Tea and Newspapers - daily from 10am to 3pm

Rhythm and Rhyme - every Wednesday and Friday 10.30am to 11am. Also every Friday from 11.30am to 12pm

Knit and Natter - every Tuesday from 10.30am to 11.30am

 

 

T: 028 2563 3950

E: ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk

 

Ballee Community Centre

3 Ballee Neighbourhood Centre,
Ballee, Ballymena,
BT42 3EX

Thursdays: January 12 to March 2 

12noon - 2pm

Hot meals are provided fortnightly starting January 12 2023 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided every week.

Jigsaws, board games and crafting materials are available to use for anyone who wishes to give a new skill a go or relax with an old one.

T: 028 2563 1350

Facebook, BallymenaSouthCC

E: hello@ballymenasouth.com

Broughshane library

 


Monday:
Closed

Tuesday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
5.30pm - 8pm

Wednesday:
Closed

Thursday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm

Friday:
Closed

Saturday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 4pm

Sunday:
Closed

Tea and Newspapers - 10.30am – 1pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Knit and Natter - 6.30pm - 8pm every Tuesday

Mindful Colouring - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during opening hours

Board games - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during opening hours

SAD Lamp - available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during opening hours

T: 028 2586 1613

E: Broughshane.Library@librariesni.org.uk

Broughshane Community Centre

21 Knockan Road
Broughshane

Every Thursday 11am – 3pm

commencing end January 2023

Tea, coffee, board games, newspapers, group activities and companionship.

Lunch available at a small cost.

Valerie Blake

T: 028 2586 2777

Portglenone Library

Tuesday:
2pm - 5pm
5.30pm - 8pm

Wednesday:
10.30am - 1pm

Thursday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm

Saturday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 4pm

Tea and newspapers - during opening hours (excluding Tuesday evenings 5.30pm - 8pm)

Rhythm and Rhyme - Wednesday 10.30am - 11am

Knit & Natter - Wednesday 11.30am -12.30pm

Cryptic Corner/ Mindful Colouring In - Thursday 11am – 1pm

T: 028 2582 2228

E: Portglenone.library@librariesni.org.uk

Kells and Connor

 

Monday:
Closed

Tuesday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
5.30pm - 8pm

Wednesday:
Closed

Thursday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm

Friday:
Closed

Saturday:
10.30am - 1pm
2pm - 4pm

Sunday:
Closed

Rhythm and Rhyme - Tuesday 10.45am - 11.30am weekly

Children’s Board Game Club - Tuesday 2pm - 3pm weekly

Tea and Newspapers - Tuesday 2pm - 5pm weekly

Knit and Natter - Tuesday 6pm - 7.30pm weekly

Children’s Board Game Club - Thursday 2pm - 3pm weekly

Check ‘em’ Out Adult reading Group - Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am monthly

***Commencing Thursday 12 January 2023:

Mindful Colouring - Thursday 10.30am - 1pm weekly

Cryptic Corner - Thursday 10.30am - 1pm weekly

Lego Club - Saturday 2pm - 3pm, 1st and 3rd Saturday each month

T: 028 2589 0019

E: kellsandconnor.library@librariesni.org.uk

 

Kells Luncheon Club

Kells Presbyterian Church Hall
21 Church Road
Kells

 

Thursday mornings 11.45am - 1.30pm

Starting 12 January until the 23rd February

Offering a hot meal, a chat and a chance to make friends

T: 028 2589 2245

M: 07740 322 468

Whitehead

Monday:
10am - 8pm

Tuesday:
10am - 1pm
1.30pm - 7pm

Wednesday:
10am - 1pm
1.30pm - 5pm
5pm - 8pm
Thursday:
10am - 8pm
Friday:
10am - 1pm
1.30pm - 5pm
5pm - 8pm

Saturday:
10am - 1pm
1.30pm - 5pm
5pm - 8pm

Sunday:
1pm - 6pm

 

Lego Club - Every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. For children aged 6 - 10 years

Tea and Newspapers - Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12noon

Knit and Natter - Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12noon

Rhythm and Rhyme - Every Wednesday 11am to 11.30am

Scrabble Club - Every Wednesday 2pm to 3pm

T:  028 9335 3249

E: whitehead.library@librariesni.org.uk

 

The Blue Box
1 Wayside Green
Ballymena
BT43 6JZ

Wednesdays, 10am - 3pm:

  • 11 January 2023
  • 25 January 2023
  • 8 February 2023
  • 22 February 2023
  • 8 March 2023
  • 22 March 2023
One pot cookery demonstration

Jan - M: 07379 787 971

George - M: 07879 767 878

Home Start East Antrim

Oakfield community Centre
Oakfield Drive
Carrickfergus
BT38 7SP

Starts Thursday 12 January 2023 and runs every Thursday for 6 weeks from 10am – 12noon.

Mindful carers group, for parents or carers with a child under 5, who are caring for a child or adult with a disability or health need.

Group sessions facilitated by Action Mental Health and focusing on well being and resilience for carers, with additional info on cost of living topics.

Breakfast and bottomless tea/coffee provided.

Participants must register in advance

Kelly Taylor

Home start East Antrim

E: kelly.taylor@homestarteastantrim.org.uk

T: 028 9332 8875
M: 07799 373 478

Good Morning Ballymena

161 Larne Road
Ballymena
BT42 3HA

Monday – Friday 9.30am - 12noon

Jan 2023 - Feb 2023

Space to gather, read papers, books and chat.

Free Tea / coffee / toast provided

Debbie Chestnutt

T: 028 2564 0720

Glenravel & District Community & Residents Association

Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 January 2023 Tea Coffee scones Biscuits and Soup and Sandwitches with a game of Bingo

Marian

M: 07756 199 792

All Saints Parish & Community Centre

9 Cushendall Road
Ballymena
BT43 6HA

10am to 12noon

Mondays & Wednesdays in January 2023, starting Wednesday 4 January 2023.

Tea, coffee and scones in The Old School Café situated in All Saints Parish & Community Centre

Claire Law

M: 07879 774 749

Whitehead Community Centre

19 Kings Road
Whitehead
BT38 9QE

(in small meeting room – access via Balmoral Ave – lift available)
Mondays 2pm - 4pm
Tuesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm and
Thursdays 2pm - 4pm
Tea, coffee, cake on offer as well as jigsaws and board games.

Rosemary / Marianne
T: 028 9337 8077
E: wca@whitehead-ni.com


Sharing Warm Spaces with Mid & East Antrim residents

We know that many of our partners across Mid and East Antrim already provide this type of facility or have somewhere that might be suitable to act as a Warm Space. We would ask you to consider sharing your facilities and services as part of this initiative.

Do you have a Warm Space already or are you interested in creating one? We can provide you with assistance to create or enhance a Warm Space.

We will provide you with a Warm Space Charter (see below) and we can send you guidance in the form of a toolkit to explain how to prepare to operate as a Warm Space as well as useful information to support both your organisation/group and local residents.


Becoming a Warm Space

If you want to offer a Warm Space download a copy of the Warm Space Charter and the Warm Space Toolkit. The Charter will let people know what to expect when they step across the threshold of a Warm Space building; a guarantee of respect, dignity and warmth.

The Warm Space Toolkit includes information on:

  • Understanding the Warm Space Charter
  • Things to consider in preparing your venue to receive visitors
  • Ideas for activities, amenities and facilities
  • How to provide signposting for visitors to access advice, advocacy, and support particularly around energy advice, available grant schemes etc

In addition, you'll receive our Safe Warm Welcome logo so you can create your own materials to promote your Warm Space.

Please note, Warm Space participants will be expected to adhere to their own risk assessments and safeguarding policies and ensure that all staff and volunteers are briefed on these procedures.


Warm Space small grant programme

Small grants (up to £500) can be awarded to organisations in Mid and East Antrim for the creation and improvement of Warm Spaces for local communities, leading to a positive difference for those living in the area.  The fund is titled, "Covid-19 Community Recovery Warm Spaces Grant Scheme - Call 3".

Council funding can be used for a variety of warm space-related activities to benefit the local community, including cooking equipment such as slow cookers to make a hearty soup, or help towards venue hire costs or refreshments. It can also be used to organise activities that will help bring the most vulnerable residents together and boost their mental and emotional well-being.

For those attending warm space venues, Council will provide information packs with practical advice on keeping safe and warm this winter. There will also be further help on how to get more specialist advice for particular challenges.

Apply now on MEA Grants