Surrey Warm Welcome: Free Hot Drinks at 100+ Venues Until March 2027
Where to Find a Warm Welcome Across Surrey
If you have been wondering where to go on a cold weekday afternoon without spending a penny, Surrey County Council has good news. Its Warm Welcome scheme is up and running again for the autumn and winter, and it runs until 31 March 2027. More than 100 community venues and libraries across the county are opening their doors to anyone who wants a free hot drink, a seat by a radiator and a bit of friendly conversation. The venues range from libraries and church halls to community centres, so you may find one just around the corner from where you live. In the Guildford area, the town’s libraries are a natural first stop, while those in Dorking and the villages around Horsley and East Horsley are also taking part. The council publishes a map on its website showing every participating location, which is handy if you are planning a journey by car or bus. I would suggest checking the opening hours before setting off, as they can vary from one venue to another and some are run by volunteers who keep to a set rota. For many older residents, or anyone living alone, these spaces offer more than warmth. They are a place to read the paper, meet neighbours and take a break from the chill of an empty house. Pop in once, and you may well find yourself going back every week.
Why the Scheme Matters to Local Households
Keeping a home warm has become a real challenge for many families and older people in our area. Rising energy bills have pushed some households to turn the thermostat down or heat only one room, and that can mean isolation as well as cold. Mark Nuti, the council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and public health, has made the point clearly: nobody should feel isolated and cold in their own home. The Warm Welcome scheme is designed with that in mind. Volunteers and staff at participating venues are not just handing out tea. They are also offering energy advice and helping people find other support services, whether that means checking whether they are claiming the benefits they are entitled to or being pointed towards schemes that help with heating costs. The project has been running since 2022, and it is backed by the government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund, which supports people on low incomes. For those of us who live here, the practical message is simple. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep warm, you do not have to face it alone. A quick visit to a local venue could lead to real help, and a conversation with a friendly face can make a difficult week feel more manageable.
Staying Warm at Home and What to Watch Next
While a warm drink in a library is a welcome treat, many residents will also be thinking about how to make their own homes more comfortable for the months ahead. Draughts, damp and poorly insulated rooms can all push up bills, and it is worth looking at the fixes that make the biggest difference. Simple steps such as draught-proofing doors, bleeding radiators and using thermal curtains cost very little. For larger jobs, homeowners often consider a bathroom refurbishment or kitchen renovation, which can be an opportunity to improve insulation, upgrade ventilation and replace old fittings that let heat escape. If you are planning this kind of work, get several quotes from fully qualified tradespeople and check that any bathroom fitters or kitchen installers you use are members of a recognised trade body. Ask about guarantees, and be wary of anyone who asks for large payments up front. Looking ahead, the Warm Welcome scheme runs until the end of March 2027, so there is plenty of time to visit. The council is likely to share updates on venue numbers and attendance, and local residents can keep an eye on the BBC Surrey and council websites for news. If you run a community group or a hall and would like to join the scheme, the council’s website explains how to get involved. Let us all look out for one another this winter.
Source: Public buildings across Surrey offer warm welcome over winter
