A Warm Place is somewhere you can go, free of charge, to spend time to keep warm if you're struggling to heat your home.
The Good Place Warm Place Grants Programme is utilised to fund a range of essential services and products including food supplies, equipment for food preparation and service, and contributions towards running costs such as support with energy, all aimed at supporting as many residents as possible through a network of accessible free to access warm places across the city.
Community hubs operating as warm spaces provide visible improvements to residents’ health and wellbeing, both mental and physical, a reduction in social isolation, enable further awareness of essential services such as financial support, and overall generate an enhanced sense of community.
See details of Warm Places in York.
- Warm Places directory
- Explore York libraries
- Details of eligibility
- What we are looking for from interested venues
Warm Places directory
We publish details of Warm Places in York each year in our Warm Places Directory on Live Well York.
We'll share details of the directory when it's available.
Explore York libraries
Explore York is here for everyone, all year round, offering warm, welcoming spaces in 15 libraries across York.
Libraries are open from early in the morning into the evening. You can relax and meet friends or join in with a range of free and low cost activities for all ages, including:
- crafting
- book groups
- board games
- winter warmer, low-cost hot meals at Explore Reading Cafés
PCs and printers are available for you to use, with digital support on hand from knowledgeable and friendly staff. All libraries and cafés have free Wi-Fi.
Explore York also offer events for children, to help families make their money go a bit further, including:
- a free toy library
- under 5s story and play sessions
- Lego clubs
If you need information about cost of living support, or anything else, Explore York staff are available to help.
Details of eligibility
To qualify, Warm Places must be open for a minimum of two hours each week. Funding can support groups to extend, improve, or start a Warm Place session for their local community. Applications can be for food supplies, equipment, and contributions towards running costs such as utilities.
To be eligible for a Good Place, WARM Place grant you must:
- Have a presence in and benefit the local community
- Have a focus on supporting people
- Aim to reduce social isolation
- Improve health and wellbeing outcomes
- Support local people with the cost of living
- Offer an indoor warm place with seating and facilities for a minimum of 2 hours a week without requiring a purchase (this can be offered alongside current groups/activities or an additional dedicated timeslot)
The Good Place, Warm Place Grant can fund:
- Increase in food stocks
- Equipment such as kitchen items for serving and preparing food, seating etc.
- Help towards utility and venue costs
- Other evidenced requests that allow you to continue or develop your current offer
The Good Place, Warm Place Grant can’t fund:
- Groups outside of York
- Individual people
- Profit-making or fundraising activities
- Third party grant making organisations (grantees must directly deliver the service or activity)
Ask your Community Officer for a Good Place, Warm Place Application Form or email shapingneighbourhoods@york.gov.uk for a digital copy
What we are looking for from interested venues
The grants are designed to support community spaces and venues that provide a warm, safe and welcoming refuge for people who may be struggling to heat their homes, experiencing social isolation, or simply need somewhere warm and friendly to spend time.
Organisations that are planning on running a Warm Place, or are considering offering one this winter, can request an application form by emailing shapingneighbourhoods@york.gov.uk or contacting their local ward Community Officer. Applications close at midnight on Sunday 4 October 2026.
As well as providing warmth and companionship, many Warm Places offer practical support and information to help residents manage the cost of living. This can include advice on maximising income, saving money on household bills and finding trusted sources of financial and other support.
Warm Places may also provide free or low-cost hot drinks and refreshments, with some offering hot meals, or community Pay-As-You-Feel cafes, with no obligation to make a purchase. Community hubs and warm spaces can make a tangible difference to residents’ health and wellbeing, helping to reduce social isolation, increase awareness of essential support services and strengthen connections within local communities.
Also see
- Community food help (Live Well York)
- York Talk Money (Live Well York)
- Help with utility bills
- Benefits advice
- Save money by saving energy