Public venues offer tea and warm welcome in winter
The annual scheme sees community venues and libraries offer hot drinks and the chance to socialise.
Key points
- Surrey County Council has launched its annual Warm Welcome scheme, offering free hot drinks at over 100 venues until 31 March 2027.
- The scheme, running since 2022, also provides energy advice and help accessing other support services.
- Cabinet member Mark Nuti said no-one should feel isolated and cold in their own home.
Surrey County Council has launched its annual Warm Welcome scheme for autumn and winter. Community venues and libraries across the county will offer free hot drinks and the chance to connect with others until 31 March 2027.
More than 100 venues are taking part, and they are shown on a map on the council's website. The project has run since 2022 and will also offer energy advice and help to access other support services.
What the council said
Mark Nuti, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and public health, said "Keeping warm at home has become a challenge". He added that "No-one should have to feel isolated and cold in their own home".
Nuti said each space may offer something slightly different, but they share a commitment to providing warmth, kindness, connections and "a cup of tea".
No-one should have to feel isolated and cold in their own home
— Mark Nuti
How it is funded
The scheme is being supported by the Crisis and Resilience Fund, a government funded scheme that helps people on low incomes.
