It takes a village to make a community

Co-op is proud to support the Warm Welcome campaign’s 100% pledge, ensuring that everyone in the UK can access a Warm Welcome Space within 30 minutes of their home. The Warm Welcome Campaign provides support and resources for spaces to focus on supporting their communities – enabling new connection, friendship, support, and opportunities for people to learn and grow together. 

In recent conversations, our members shared over 30,000 ideas about how we can tackle the big issues they face. They told us they’re struggling with the rising cost of living, limited access to resources, and a growing sense of division in their communities. 

Warm Welcome Spaces are helping to bridge those gaps. Last year alone, 5,300 spaces hosted 2.6 million visits—offering vital support and a sense of belonging when it’s needed most. 

Take Friendship Café, for example. Last year, they opened their doors to the entire village of Alford, creating a hub of warmth and togetherness. It’s stories like these that show the power of community in action. 

Together, we’re building a future where everyone feels welcome. 

Community, laughter, and friendship are at the heart of the Friendship Café Warm Welcome Space in the small rural village of Alford in Aberdeenshire. It’s a partnership approach bringing leaders of St Andrews Episcopal Church together with Alford and District Rotary Club and local businesses. ‍ 

Their vibrant space, always full of joy and laughter, is supported by the local community – interest and support are growing. The Co-op has built strong relationships with the local community and has also connected them with the local Food store, which donates newspapers and ‘butteries. Local Caterers donate individual sweet treats; the Rotary helps with funding, publicity, and transport, helping provide a free taxi service to make sure everyone can get to the warm space. Volunteers from the village also offer support by means of cash donations, soup, home bakes and other contributions, enhancing the regular menus on offer. 

The lines between hosts and guests are blurring with many new friendships being formed.  One such, perhaps unlikely friendship, is that of a volunteer twenty-year old young man, who is neurodivergent, with a ninety-one-year-old lady who is visually impaired. They sit together every week, catching up with each other’s news. 

‘I come here as it gets me out of the house which keeps me sane and keeps my mind busy.’ 

Warm Welcome Guest, Alford, Aberdeenshire 

Warm Welcomes are much more than an a space – they are a way to connect with your local community. To find a Warm Welcome Space near you or share with your friends and families visit Find a Space. And if you know a cause who is providing a warm space with activities this winter then encourage them to register as a Warm Welcome Space here.