Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham visits a Warm Welcome Space

The Mayor was joined by TV presenter, radio broadcaster, and author Gaby Roslin.

‍

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, and broadcaster Gaby Roslin joined guests yesterday (12th February) at Longsight Library and Learning Centre in Manchester. The library is one of more than 5,000 Warm Welcome Spaces across the UK, offering a safe space to keep warm, make friends, and connect with their local community.

‍

The Mayor’s visit follows Warm Welcome Week, a campaign designed to raise awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces so more people can find a place of belonging and connection close to home. The week was run by the Warm Welcome Campaign, an organisation that supports, resources, and champions the network of more than 5,000 community spaces across the UK.

‍

Longsight Library is a heavily used library where the visitor base strongly matches the demographics of the local community. Lots of organisations use the library to deliver services to the local community, including Olympus Music Foundation and Citizens Advice Manchester.

‍

Longsight Library has benefited from recent investment from Manchester City Council, which included the creation of a couple of new meeting rooms, improvements to the children’s library, and implementation of Open+ technology, which enables adults to access the library in self-service mode up to 8pm, at times when the library was previously closed.

‍

The Mayor and Gaby Roslin were given a very warm and friendly welcome and spent time chatting with library visitors. They were joined by David Barclay, Campaign Director of the Warm Welcome Campaign, Elaine Morgan, Principal, Strategy Reform for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, along with Neil MacInnes, Head of Libraries, Archives, Galleries and Cultural Services.

‍

The Mayor and Gaby met Ayza and her younger brother Ryan who are regulars and were visiting with their mum. Ayza was delighted to let them read her award-winning story and they were so impressed that, aged 10, she is now going to be a published writer.

‍

Yesterday’s visit coincided with community children benefiting from free music lessons, thanks to Olympus Music Foundation. Andy Burnham and Gaby were treated to an impromptu performance on the flute from Eyuel and they even got involved themselves with Gaby playing the harmonium and the Mayor having a go at playing a The Clash song on the cello.

‍

Also there to greet the Mayor and Gaby were a group of older men who come every day and who all agree it is a place to relax and come together enjoying the free cups of tea and coffee, connection and chat.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Demand for local Warm Welcome Spaces is especially high during the winter, not only in supporting people worried about paying the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities. We are pioneering the Live Well service to help people live a healthy and happy life in their community and local hubs and organisations like this are making huge contributions across the city-region in support of our Live Well ambitions, improving our residents’ lives in a positive way.”

‍

Gaby Roslin said: “I’ve been lucky enough to visit two Warm Welcome Spaces and seen the remarkable difference they make to people’s lives every day, reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing. They are places full of positivity, where people can come together, connect, and make new friends.”

‍

David Barclay, Campaign Director of the Warm Welcome Campaign, added: “We were thrilled that Andy Burnham and Gaby Roslin could join us at Longsight Library and Learning Centre in Manchester. It was a real boost to guests and volunteers, with smiles all round, and a great opportunity to show the remarkable difference Warm Welcome Spaces make to people’s lives every day.”

“Although the number of Warm Welcome Spaces has grown by almost 30% in the last few months, local awareness of how to find your nearest space is low. We want to change this, so everyone knows how to find a place of connection in their neighborhood. Warm Welcome Spaces like Longsight Library play a vital role in supporting communities. The cold winter days can be extremely tough. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.”

‍

Elaine Morgan, Principal, Strategy Reform for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “We have over 200 Warm Welcome Spaces in Greater Manchester which are essential in helping our residents live well, providing not just warmth but a sense of belonging and community. The invaluable support from dedicated volunteers ensures that everyone who walks through the doors receives the care, companionship, and resources they need. Together, we are creating a network of support that uplifts and empowers our community.”

‍

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Skills said: “We know that the Warm Welcome Spaces scheme in Longsight Library and Learning Centre provides a lifeline for people in need of support, whether that is a cuppa, a supportive person to listen, or the wealth of additional support they can access via our library services, and I am proud that all our libraries play a critical role in helping to improve the lives of the residents in this cost of living crisis."

‍