22 Jan Warm Spaces project returns to the Bay

We are a nation obsessed by the weather, and with good reason – it can be a killer.

The effects of weather on people’s health are manyfold and significant, particularly when it involves extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold and can lead to various issues.

When temperatures soar, heatwaves can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

On the other hand, when the thermometer plummets, cold weather can be equally perilous, leading to hypothermia and frostbite and exacerbating conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, unseasonably warm weather can create a breeding ground for flu and other viral infections, leading to surges in hospital admissions as have been seen in recent weeks when temperatures have remained stubbornly above the norm.

Excessive rainfall can lead to flooding, which not only causes immediate physical harm but also fosters the growth of mould and mildew, posing long-term respiratory health risks.

Climate change is throwing an unpredictable spanner into the works all year round and it keeps us on our toes in the voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector as many of the people we support are likely to suffer in extremes.

Every summer, we watch for heat waves and ensure everyone stays hydrated and does not overheat; every winter, we look to keep people as warm as possible.

In recent years that has become more difficult as the war in Ukraine sparked an energy crisis which sent heating costs through the roof and out of reach of so many vulnerable people (old and young alike) living in the Bay.

As always, the Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022 is on hand to provide support and advice for those struggling to make ends meet, but there are also many organisations that throw open their doors for a few hours to ensure people can get physically warm, as well as enjoy the warmth of human contact.

The Warm Spaces Project launches this week and will be available for those who need it at five venues in Torquay, two in Paignton and one in Brixham, all of which will be open to provide a warm welcome, hot drinks and snacks, companionship, advice and practical support to apply for pension credit and other benefits between January and March 2025.

A list of the venues and timings are below. You do not need to book and you are guaranteed a ‘warm’ welcome:

Torbay Community Café and Help Hub, 4-8 Temperance Street, Torquay, TQ2 5PU, will be operating from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm (as of yesterday, the 21^st).

Riviera Life, Home Church, Babbacombe Rd, Torquay, TQ1 1HG opened its Warm Spaces doors for the first time last Thursday (17^th) from 8.30 am-2 pm and will be open every Thursday between those hours going forward.

The Living Room, in St Mary Magdalene Church,  Union Street, Torquay. TQ1 4BX opens today (22^nd) from 10.30 am to 1 pm and will open every Wednesday and Friday between those hours.

Acorn Youth, Community and Sports Centre (newly reopened), at Lummaton Cross, Torquay, TQ2 8ET will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11.30 am-2.30 pm starting next Monday (27^th)

Windmill Centre, Pendennis Road, Torquay TQ2 7QR Tuesdays 9 am-2.30 pm as of yesterday (Tuesday 21^st January).

In Paignton, the Haven, Gerston Christian Centre, Gerston Place, Paignton TQ3 3DX first opened yesterday and will be open from 10.30-1 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Foxhole Community Centre, Belfield Rd, Paignton, TQ3 3UZ, also opened yesterday and will be open Tuesdays (except 18th February) from 9 am – 12 noon and Wednesdays from next week from 12 noon to 3 pm.

In Brixham, YES Brixham at The Edge, Bolton Street, TQ5 9DH will be open every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from  10 am – 4.30 pm, and Wednesdays from 1- 4.30 pm.

Temperatures have, in the main, remained above freezing, but we know things are likely to get worse before we turn the corner and Winter gives way to Spring. You might not need it now, but make a note of the above, just in case.

Remember you are not alone, and you should not suffer in silence. Torbay has strong and resilient communities that look out for each other. Is your neighbour okay? It only takes a minute to check.