With a severe high temperature warning in place across the south and east of England this week, Bedford Borough Council is encouraging residents who are struggling to stay cool at home to visit their local Welcoming Space.
These are community venues where residents can seek shelter from the sun, stay cool, and enjoy some company. Welcoming Spaces are inclusive and non-judgemental places, where anyone can come to seek relief from the heat.
Welcoming Spaces are free to attend, although there may be small charges for things like refreshments. Each venue provides a different offer which may include things like refreshments and snacks, toys and games, phone charging, baby changing facilities, books and free Wi-Fi.
If you have opened a welcoming space and would like it included on the Bedford Borough Welcoming Spaces Network please contact public.health@bedford.gov.uk.
As part of the Welcoming Spaces offer, our libraries are also providing inclusive and welcoming community spaces with free Wi-Fi and a range of activities.
Welcoming Spaces - our libraries and The Higgins Bedford
Our libraries and The Higgins Bedford (art gallery and museum) are open to offer a welcoming space.
Welcoming Spaces - our Family Hubs
Some Family Hubs in Bedford Borough are open to offer a welcoming space to families with children under 5 years old.
Welcoming Spaces - other venues
The Welcoming Spaces below are offered and operated by third parties and are not affiliated to Bedford Borough Council.
| Venue | Opening days and times | What is available | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bedford Hindu Temple and Community Trust, Peel Street, Bedford, MK40 2HX Email: bedfordhindutemple@gmail.com |
Monday-Friday: 18.00 - 19.30 Saturday-Sunday: 10.00-13.00, 16.30-19.30 |
Hindu Temple offers religious services to local and wider Hindu community. We conduct yoga and Meditation and also dance and music classes. Religious discourses and special Hindu festivals are also observed. | No free parking, no accessible toilets, free charging points, no baby changing facilities |
|
Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8PJ Email: office@bromham.org Web: www.bromham.org |
Sunday-Thursday: 09.00-17.00 | Coffee shop with wellbeing activities including arts, crafts, scrabble clubs, toddler groups. | Free parking, accessible toilets, free charging points and baby changing facilities |
|
Harpur Centre (shopping centre’s basement area), Horne Lane, Bedford, MK40 1TJ |
Usually 09:00-18:00 but evenings can be accommodated until 21:00 if red/amber warnings issued. | Shopping centre environment with basement seating, power points for charging, free Wi-Fi, water fountain and toilet facilities. | First Aiders available, security and CCTV present. No free parking (except Sundays). Accessible toilets, free charging points and baby changing facilities |
|
Jubilation Centre Community Hub, Moulton Avenue, Bedford, MK42 0HL Web: yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk/jch Email: gemma.aylen@bedsrcc.org.uk |
Mondays 10.00-13.00 | Free tea, coffee, squash, biscuits and lunch. Weekly craft activities, wellness walk, book swap. | Free parking, accessible toilets, Free charging points and baby changing facilities |
|
Kempston Hammers sports and social club, 134 High Street, Kempston, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 7BN Tel: 01234 853262 Web: kempstonhammers.com |
Tuesday 09.30-11.30 | Tea/coffee and homemade cakes | Free parking, accessible toilets, free charging points and baby changing facilities |
|
Stevington Parish Church, Church Road, Stevington Tel: 07547 675563 Web: stevington-pc.gov.uk |
10.00-16.00 every day (except for service times) | The church is a peaceful, cool and quiet place, suitable for reflection and personal prayer but also for light conversation. | Free parking, accessible toilets, no free charging points and baby changing facilities |
Bedford Borough Welcoming Spaces Network
If you have opened a welcoming space and would like it included on the Bedford Borough Welcoming Spaces Network please complete our Welcoming Spaces Network form (Word) or contact public.health@bedford.gov.uk