Welcome Spaces

​Welcome Spaces are where people can gather for free in a warm, safe place and enjoy a hot drink and some company.

We are working with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to establish a network of Welcome Spaces across Leeds this winter. These include libraries, community centres, community hubs and other places that all offer a heated, friendly and safe space where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others.

Welcome Spaces are free to use for anyone. Some venues will offer hot drinks, activities, and other services such as free Wi-Fi.

Find a Welcome Space

Visit Leeds Directory and enter your full postcode into the filter to find a Welcome Space near you.

Find your nearest Welcome Space

Become a volunteer

Many Welcome Spaces are run by local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in the city. If you would like to volunteer, get in touch with your local Welcome Space. Contact details can be found on the Leeds Directory.

You can also register to become a volunteer with Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL). Search for volunteer opportunities on the Doing Good Leeds website or email volunteering@val.org.uk.

Welcome Space charter

The Leeds Welcome Space scheme aims to ensure places that are safe, warm and welcoming are available free of charge, for people and communities in Leeds.

Keeping people safe is the most important part of the Welcome Space offer. We expect that every organisation will have the following key things in place before they open their doors:

  • a warm, welcome, and safe space
  • an up-to-date safeguarding policy
  • public liability insurance
  • an up-to-date risk assessment
  • staff and volunteers with basic knowledge of local signposting

If you require further support or information about Welcome Spaces in Leeds, please email welcome.spaces@leeds.gov.uk.