Warm and welcoming spaces

Aldershot and Farnborough libraries

All libraries in Hampshire are opening their doors for people to keep warm, connect with others, work or study.

As well as books, newspapers and magazines, there is access to free Wi-Fi and public computers, board games and jigsaw puzzles, and various events.

Both libraries are offering free warm bags for anyone struggling to stay warm this winter. Warm bags contain a blanket, fleece jacket, thermos, hat, gloves, scarf and hot water bottle. Please ask at the enquiry desk.

Aldershot Library free weekly sessions

• Meet up Mondays: Mondays (except public holidays), 9.45am to 10.45am. A weekly drop-in to meet new friends and have a chat.
• Soup and oatcake lunch: Wednesdays, 12pm to 1.30pm. A weekly free hot lunch until March 2024.
• Community connections: Second Wednesday of the month, midday to 1pm. A free drop-in for all seekers of sanctuary for a chat, helpful information and signposting. Colouring and Lego® bricks available for children.
• Chat about Friday: Fridays, 10.30am to 11.30am. Join the group every week for a free hot drink and a biscuit. Everyone welcome.
• Conversation café: Fourth Saturday of the month, 11.30am to 1pm. Come and have a chat and play some games.

Please see the Aldershot library website for more information.

Farnborough Library free weekly sessions

• VIP reading club: First Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm. Meet in a friendly, relaxed environment to discuss selected books in different formats.
• Knit and knatter: Second Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm. Do you enjoy knitting and needlecrafts? Then come along and join the club. Bring your own wool, needles and patterns, share ideas. New and experienced knitters of all ages welcome.
• Reading club: Third Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm. Come along and join our reading group, if you like to read a wide range of fiction and share your ideas in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
• Craft club: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm. Come and join this friendly group.
• Chat about Fridays: Fridays, 10am to 11am. Join the group every week for a free hot drink and a biscuit. Everyone welcome. Babies and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Farnborough Library has a limited number of free vouchers available to customers for a hot drink and snack at the OFLAC café at Farnborough Library.

Please see the Farnborough library website for more information.

Aldershot places to keep warm

Aldershot warm hub

Run by Salvation Army, Aldershot every Tuesday, 9.30am to 1pm.

Free tea and coffee and hot soup at lunchtime.

Address: 1 North Lane, Aldershot, GU12 4QE

Website: Salvation Army, Aldershot

Cosy hub at the Vine Centre

Opening 7 November. Chat with friends, charge your phone, get support or read a magazine or book. Warm drinks and soup available. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 4pm.  

Address: The Vine Centre, 33 Station Road, Aldershot, GU11 1BA 

Website: www.thevinecentre.org.uk and www.facebook.com/thevinecentre  

Warm bank at St Michael's Church

Opening on 6 November, welcoming all who could benefit from the warmth or the company.

Play Café Toddler Group: Tuesdays, 9am to 11.30am (£1 for adults and children who can walk, 50p for babies).

Service followed by refreshments: Wednesdays, 9am to midday. Service at 10am, followed by tea, coffee and a bible study group, particularly for seniors.

Drop-in Café: Thursdays, 9am to midday, open to all with tea, coffee, pastries and biscuits.

Address: 120 Church Lane East, Aldershot, GU11 3SS 

Website: St Michael's Church 

Open house coffee morning, Park Church

Open coffee morning every Thursday from 10.30am to midday.

Address: Park Church Hall, 258 Lower Farnham Road, Aldershot, GU11 3RB

Website: Open House, Park Church

Farnborough places to keep warm

Warm Space, Cove Methodist Church

Every Tuesday, 3.30pm to 6.30pm.  

Address: 63 Cove Road, Farnborough GU14 0EL

Email ginahoff92@googlemail.com or phone 01252 517045 for more information.

Footprints soup and coffee afternoon, St John's Church

Every Wednesday, 2pm to 4pm at St John's Church.  Hot refreshments provided.

Address: St John's Church, St John's Road, Farnborough, GU14 9RH 

Website: St John's Church or Parish of Cove, Facebook

Meeting point, Christ Church

Every first Thursday of the month, 10am to 11.30am. An opportunity to meet and chat over coffee and cake.

Address: Christ Church, Cove Road, Farnborough, GU14 0EX

Website: Parish of Cove

Altogether, Farnborough Baptist Church

Drop in for coffee, conversation, games and crafts.

Every Friday from 11am to early afternoon. Stay for soup lunch around midday.

Address: Farnborough Baptist Church, Queens Road, North Camp, GU14 6DX

Website: Farnborough Baptist Church 

How to set up a warm space

Rushmoor Voluntary Services can provide support to you set up a warm space and to recruit volunteers. They may also be able to help you to apply for funding. Please contact Heather Chalkley or call 07484 698504 for more information.

To help guide you through the process of setting up a warm space in the community, CILIP, the library and information association, has produced a guide called A warm welcome. 

The UK Health Security Agency provides a toolkit for local organisations seeking to develop or evaluate a warm space.

Hampshire County Council is also offering help with funding for warm spaces through Leader's community grants.