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Safe and welcoming “warm hubs”: Building social connections and inclusion in Welsh communities
Journal of Community Safety and Well-Being, Volume: 9, Issue: 1, Pages: 46 - 51
Swansea University Author:
Ella Rabaiotti
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© Author(s) 2024. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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DOI (Published version): 10.35502/jcswb.370
Abstract
This article is based on research into the development of “warm hubs” in one Welsh city where community organizations and public buildings offered a warm place to access refreshments, food and local support. These hubs (also described as “warm spaces”) aimed to provide a “safe, warm and welcoming” u...
| Published in: | Journal of Community Safety and Well-Being |
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| ISSN: | 2371-4298 |
| Published: |
SG Publishing
2024
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65531 |
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| Abstract: |
This article is based on research into the development of “warm hubs” in one Welsh city where community organizations and public buildings offered a warm place to access refreshments, food and local support. These hubs (also described as “warm spaces”) aimed to provide a “safe, warm and welcoming” universal offer to all residents. Drawing on qualitative data from those visiting and coordinating the hubs, the research found evidence which suggests the warm hubs largely met their intended aims. The roll out of the scheme was found to be beneficial in responding to the cost-of-living crisis in post-COVID Wales, but it also contributed to the safety and well-being of communities. A key finding was that the hubs were perceived to have broader societal benefits in developing social connections, promoting inclusivity and reducing social isolation. Warm hubs also promoted digital inclusion, although older attendees preferred face-to-face connections. Further research could consider the role of warm hubs within broader, longer-term strategies for addressing inequalities in communities. |
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| Keywords: |
Social inclusion, poverty, community resilience, digital inclusion, social connectivity |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Funders: |
This research received funding from the Research Innovation Wales Fund, Higher Education Council for Wales. |
| Issue: |
1 |
| Start Page: |
46 |
| End Page: |
51 |