Waddon Leisure Centre and Ashburton Hall to offer a warm welcome this winter

Waddon Leisure Centre and Ashburton Hall and Park in Croydon has been designated a Warm Space by GLL, the not-for-profit charitable social enterprise that operates it on behalf of Croydon Council.

The new initiative has been set up in response to this winter’s cost of living crisis and will offer anyone living in the vicinity of a participating leisure centre a warm welcome, comfortable seating, the opportunity to charge a phone or device, use the free WiFi or even have a hot shower.  In addition, leading wholesale food service company Brakes, has agreed to donate free tea, coffee and biscuits.

Starting from Monday 28th November, local residents will be able to keep warm, charge a phone and enjoy a friendly chat over a cuppa with our new Warm Spaces Scheme. Feel free to drop-in during the times below and enjoy the company of your community. We'll also be able to sign post to local leisure and sport activities available at the centre and local area. 

Commenting on the Warm Spaces initiative Bobby Moore, General Manager at Waddon Leisure Centre said: “As a facility at the heart of our local community we quickly became aware that a number of local residents were concerned that they might struggle to heat their homes this winter and as a charitable social enterprise we wanted to help.

Leisure centres are ideally suited to serve as warm spaces, they are easily accessible, known to everyone and a natural meeting place.  Our staff will be on hand to offer a warm welcome to anyone wishing to make the most of our warm space during the difficult months ahead.”

The scheme is also being supported by AgeUK Croydon who will be helping to promote the scheme amongst their service users.

Sanjay Gulati, CEO at Age UK Croydon added: “Warm spaces is a very good initiative for older people during the wintertime especially during the present cost of living crisis. Age UK Croydon is supportive of this initiative and will be promoting for our local community.”

The scheme starts from 28^th November with the days and times the Warm Spaces scheme is available listed above. For further information please also get in touch via waddon@GLL.ORG