From crisis response to social infrastructure: warm spaces as foundations for sustainable communities

Extended abstract 5-074-26

Warm community spaces emerged in the UK during a time of rising costs and uncertainty, offering warmth, shelter and energy advice. Yet for many people, especially those outside the workforce or experiencing loneliness, these place-based initiatives quickly became more than temporary support. They developed into vital community hubs, going beyond basic energy advice to provide social lifelines where people could meet, feel connected and participate in everyday community life. As they evolved, these spaces also began to shape how people think about the energy system, showing how social connection, trusted advice and accessible support can strengthen community resilience during the energy transition. 

Now often known as “welcome spaces”, many operate year-round, encourage peer-to-peer learning and create environments where people feel able to ask questions and share experiences. The relationships built within them often generate ideas for improving local places, including building renewal, energy retrofits and sustainable living practices. These spaces thus contribute to everyday practices, relationships and forms of mutual care that underpin sustainable communities. Despite their growing role, there is limited research on how they are designed, their impacts—especially on energy use—and the long-term support they require. Organisers also have few opportunities to share learning or coordinate best practice.

This paper draws on in-depth research with four welcome spaces in England, including year-long visits and observation, 40 interviews and 30 surveys with attendees and organisers, plus a national UK-wide survey with organisers. We argue that while these spaces began as emergency responses, they have become key community infrastructure with particular relevance to energy issues. By building trust, supporting wellbeing, and embedding energy advice within everyday social life, welcome spaces help shape more inclusive, efficient and sustainable energy community futures. 

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