Welcome Spaces

Welcome Spaces are safe, free to use and friendly places where everyone is welcome to spend time and get support.

Over the summer months, some of our Welcome Spaces offer a cool space provision, helping people stay comfortable and well during warm weather.

Cool spaces are indoor venues where people can spend time during warm weather and help to reduce health risks from heat. They offer a comfortable place to rest and cool down.

Cool spaces are not intended to provide medical care or specialist support. Instead, they typically offer:

shelter from the sun
free drinking water
a place to cool down
seating and resting areas

In Leeds, some community hubs and libraries, leisure centres and neighbourhood networks will offer a cool space provision from 1 June 2026. These spaces will be available on hot days, and also on days when people simply need somewhere to stay out of the sun.

All our locations provide access to free drinking water. Ask a member of staff if you need help accessing this.

Find more information on staying safe in hot weather at GOV.UK.

Cool spaces are available at the following sites

Libraries and community hubs

Leisure centres

Neighbourhood networks

Winter Welcome Space provision

Over the winter months, Welcome Spaces provide a warm, safe place where people can gather for free and enjoy a hot drink and some company.

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, email welcome.spaces@leeds.gov.uk.