Wellbeing spaces: going beyond warmth to create connections and community
"Older residents find vital social contact, young people benefit from positive engagement, and families juggling work or tight budgets appreciate an inclusive place to enjoy activities together without pressure or cost. These spaces help rebuild community bonds, particularly during challenging times."
By Chris Hennis, Business Director at Play Place Innov8 CIC
Across many neighbourhoods nationwide, warm spaces have been quietly becoming a reassuring presence for people seeking connection, comfort and somewhere simply to be.
First created in response to rising living and energy costs, they have evolved into small but dependable hubs offering companionship, practical support and opportunities to take part in activities that lift spirits and reduce isolation.
Warm spaces work because they meet several needs at once. They provide warmth, of course, but also routine, structure and a sense of belonging, and that’s why we now call them wellbeing spaces as it’s about so much more.
Older residents find vital social contact, young people benefit from positive engagement, and families juggling work or tight budgets appreciate an inclusive place to enjoy activities together without pressure or cost. These spaces help rebuild community bonds, particularly during challenging times.
At Play Place Innov8 CIC, we run three wellbeing spaces at community centres in south east London owned and managed by Clarion Housing Group, which provides lots of homes for people locally. For us, provision is shaped by listening closely to residents. The aim has always been simple but meaningful, to offer a warm environment, good food and engaging activities suitable for all ages. Increasingly, people attending are not those in acute need but those who feel lonely, disconnected or simply in search of friendly company.
Funding has played a vital role in enabling this work to continue, with the bulk of this coming from the Rothesay Foundation, the charitable foundation of the UK’s largest pensions insurance specialist, Rothesay, and Clarion Futures, Clarion’s charitable foundation. Together with smaller contributions, this support has allowed our three centres to tailor their wellbeing space activity to their communities.
Whilst our wellbeing spaces are open to all, each site has developed its own approach based on the needs of local people. On one estate, weekly family sessions combine crafts, games and shared meals in a relaxed, lively setting.
Parents often say these sessions offer rare moments to enjoy time with their children without added cost or stress. Alongside this, a calmer wellbeing crafts group has proved particularly popular with older residents seeking gentle activity and regular conversation.
A key feature across the centres is the effort to wrap warmth and food around enjoyable activities, making attendance feel natural and welcoming rather than a form of assistance. Craft sessions, cooking, games and themed workshops create an atmosphere people want to return to. This reduces any sense of stigma and encourages friendships and relaxed conversation.
Some residents come mainly for a hot meal and warmth; others are drawn by creative workshops or simply the chance to meet familiar faces each week. Youth engagement has become increasingly important. Many young people value having a safe, structured place to go after school or during holidays, especially as national initiatives like the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme highlight the wider need for accessible, supported activities.
One of the most encouraging developments has been the emergence of a volunteer-led CIC created by residents who first came to warm space sessions. They have established a food-bank-style project offering regular, affordable food shop opportunities for local households. Supported by the Play Place team, the initiative is now largely self-led, boosting community confidence and long-term sustainability.
Though each wellbeing space has its own character, the overall impact is clear, small, friendly, local settings help people feel seen, supported and part of something. They reduce loneliness, provide structure and offer meaningful engagement in simple, accessible ways.
As colder weather bites and household pressures remain high, warm spaces and wellbeing spaces will continue to play a vital role. They show that modest, well-delivered initiatives can foster resilience and genuine connection.
In these settings, warmth is measured not just in temperature but in the sense of belonging that comes from being welcomed, recognised and included, and we’re proud to be part of this important initiative.