Better leisure centres in Bedford offer a warm welcome this winter

Initially set up in 2022, in response to the cost of living crisis, which is most felt during the coldest time of the year, the Warm Spaces initiative offers anyone living in the vicinity of Kempston Pool & Fitness and John Bunyan Sports & Fitness a warm welcome and comfortable seating. It’s also an opportunity to charge a phone or device, use the free WiFi, and even freshen up with a hot shower.

In addition, there’s free tea, coffee and biscuits donated by wholesale food service company, Brakes.

The Warm Spaces are open to all, both leisure centre members and non-members alike on Mondays at 9am – 3:30pm and Fridays 9am – 1:30pm at Kempston Pool & Fitness and on a Monday at 11.30am – 13:30pm at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness.

Commenting on the Warm Spaces initiative Aaron Colbert, GLL Community Sports Manager for Bedford’s Better leisure centres said: “We know that winter can be a difficult and isolating time of the year and at the heart of the community, and as a charitable social enterprise, we always want to help.

“There’ll be a warm welcome from our staff to anyone who wants to pop in. It’s an opportunity to meet new people and connect with others in the community, while enjoying a cuppa, so we invite anyone to come along.”

Better leisure centres have also joined forces with NHS England this winter and there will be flyers available to read on how to stay well this winter, with information on how to keep warm, stay strong with winter vaccines, how to avoid and/or treat Covid-19, gain financial and mental health advice.

The Warm Spaces scheme was the first of its kind for the leisure industry when it launched in 2022. This year 79 Better leisure centres spanning England, Wales and Northern Ireland are taking part. For further information visit: https://www.better.org.uk/healthy-communities/warm-spaces.