LIBRARIES are set to be used as warm spaces to support the city as the cost of living crisis worsens.

Southampton City Council announced today that buildings across the city will be used to keep people warm.

The plans were put forward in light of the Cost of Living Summit held at Solent University, and organised by Love Southampton.

One person behind the initiative is Sophie Rose Holt-Fanner, Saints in the City lead.

She said that warm spaces in the city will build on existing national campaigns.

She told the Echo: "There are a couple of national campaigns, and we already have a warm space in St Mary's Church, on Thursdays between 10am and 1pm.

"Warm spaces are not just about being a warm room, it's about a warm welcome." 

She is asking community groups and hubs to consider setting up a warm space.

"My message is to encourage people who are already running outreach, how can those be (warm spaces).

"There's so much going on in the city."

READ MORE: Southampton residents anxious over cost of living crisis

As the crisis deepens, many in the city will be struggling to afford the basics, such as food and heating.

The summit brought together charities, churches, community groups, academics and leaders to discuss the pressing issues and what can be done about them.

The council said it plans to use libraries across the city as warm spaces and is "actively considering" how other public buildings can support residents with rising costs.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, said: "The cost of living crisis is affecting all aspects of life but a particular concern facing families this winter is how we stay warm.

"It is important that we come together as a city to ensure that people are not alone and they do have spaces within their local communities where they can get support."

In her keynote speech, the Labour politician said the cost of living crisis is "what keeps her up at night".

She added that the summit was about pulling together to collectively address the crisis.

Cllr Kaur added: "Today was about not just what we are doing but how we can come together and our collective efforts having maximum impact to help mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis in Southamptonm which is facing everyone in our local communities.

"There are many initiatives that we will be building on as a result of today including warm spaces so people can come together."

A Southampton City Council spokesperson said: “Our city and community-run libraries are already well-established hubs across all our communities.

"They offer a wide range of support and bring people together in places that are warm, friendly, and free."

The summit was supported by grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Speakers included Paul Woodman, leader at City Life Church; Solent Vice Chancellor Karen Stanton; Professor Keith Brown, chair of Love Southampton; and Cllr Kaur.

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