"I feel warm as soon as I walk through the doors" – Wandsworth’s Community Spaces

Community Spaces provide warm and welcoming places for all Wandsworth residents during the colder months. The spaces, some council-owned and others run by community groups with council funding, offer a place to connect, enjoy a hot drink or meal, and access council services.

View the Community Spaces Directory

Jan

For 64-year-old Jan, visiting the Battersea Library Community Space is a regular highlight. 

“It’s a very social experience,” explains the retired lawyer, who lives in Balham. “I come here several times a week and I feel warm as soon as I walk through the doors. My home is so cold it can be painful getting out of bed in the morning. 

“I’ve been here so often so there are lots of people I know and it’s very nice to meet them and have a little chat. It’s absolutely lovely here, I look forward to coming.” 

 

Watch the video above to hear from the residents directly.

Christine

“It’s quite a relief coming here where it’s warm and dry,” adds retired police worker Christine. “I enjoy the coffee morning, the staff are very friendly and helpful and you can meet new people.” 

The 65-year-old visits Battersea Library’s Community Space to attend the weekly free coffee morning at 11am on a Tuesday. 

“I would recommend others to come along as you can meet different people, read the newspaper and get warm,” says Christine. “It’s good there are places like this that people can come as a lot of older people are worried about the cost of putting the heating on.” 

Robert

Part-time photographer Robert enjoys taking some quiet time at Community Spaces including Putney Library, Battersea Park Library and Battersea Library. 

“It’s a warm space but it’s also a place to come to read the paper and not have to rush to get home,” points out the 59-year-old, who lives in Putney. “It’s more than needed, because we know about our winter bills and the cold, and you see people that come here because of that and that’s the purpose of the spaces. I think it’s a really good thing because it keeps people safe and warm. Otherwise they might be just sitting at home and it’s not a good thing to be sitting at home in the cold.” 

Elizabeth

“The best thing about coming here is meeting new people and chatting,” says Elizabeth, 52, a Battersea-based housewife. “I enjoy it here; I come to have a bit of a laugh and catch up. I do enjoy coming here to have a nice cup of coffee and biscuits.” 

What's on offer?

People are welcome at any of the borough’s 11 libraries to keep warm and enjoy free internet access and a range of other events such as children’s activities and coffee mornings.   

Children’s Centres are also offering additional, family-oriented services. These include breakfast clubs for children up to the age of five, lunch and learn sessions, stay and play along with the chance for parents to charge phones, and where available, use shower and washing facilities. Later in the day older children can complete their homework in warm and friendly surroundings, with internet access provided and evening meals also available.  

Council Leader Simon Hogg said: “The Council is determined to do all we can to make a difference, by offering a compassionate helping hand and supporting our residents through these difficult winter months.   

“Our £15 million Cost of Living support fund is the biggest and most generous in London, and we will keep investing it where it makes the most difference to people's lives.” 

Other support available includes:  

• Up to £300 winter support payments for pensioners  
• Warm Home Packs for eligible residents  
• Access for All leisure and wellbeing offer  
• Crisis Assistance payments  
• Entitled To calculator to check what benefits you may be eligible for   
• Council Tax reduction 
• Our cost-of-living hub provides a variety of useful information and support for all residents.