NORTH Somerset Council has provided funding for over 40 Community Living Rooms this winter.

Community Living Rooms take place within libraries, community centres, faith groups and more.

The scheme offers a safe space where residents can come, take part in activities, and keep warm.

Also on offer are refreshments and digital skill sessions, which can help those who feel alienated in our digital society.

Bristol Water, Wessex Water and Alliance Homes have also provided additional funding to support the scheme.

Community Living Rooms were set up last year as a direct response to the cost of living crisis, which has seen many having to choose between heating their homes or feeding their families.

To find your nearest Community Living Room, visit the North Somerset Council website.

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader at North Somerset Council, said: “It’s wonderful that so many community living rooms will be open this winter to offer warm, friendly spaces for members of the community to come together to meet, have a chat and support each other. 

“The idea of Community Living rooms is something I’ve supported for many years, as a way of bringing people together.

“They are free to attend, and when set up last year, played a key role in the response to the cost of living crisis, offering a warm space for people to spend time together and to help reduce home energy bills.

"They have been so successful and valued, that communities across North Somerset are continuing to keep them open. 

“I’m very proud that, as a council that cares, we've been able to support so many organisations who are now helping run Community Living Rooms.”

Speaking previously about the importance of keeping people warm, Cllr Mike Bell said: "We are a council that cares about people.

"Our goal is to create a directory of all the places available to our residents across the public, private, health and voluntary sectors and to ensure this information is clearly promoted so everyone who is feeling the cold knows where they can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments."