Community Spaces
Community Spaces are free, non-judgmental public places where people can go for shelter, save money on their household bills, avoid social isolation, receive vital support and advice while staying as well as possible.
Community Spaces were previously known as Warm Spaces, but they offer much more than warmth and are open all year round. Drop by your nearest venue to have a chat, access information and support about things like finances and health, get involved with activities and more. You can see everything your nearest Community Space offers on the Directory of Community Spaces.
If you're struggling to reach a Community Space and have difficulty accessing public transport, you can apply for a Community Transport pass. Visit the Community Transport page for more information on routes and how to apply.
If you or your organisation has a suitable heated venue that could open its doors this winter, the Fairer Stockton-on-Tees Team wants to hear from you. Visit the Community Spaces application page to complete the online form.
Council funding support is no longer available for this scheme, however you can still register to be a Community Space. If you're looking for funding, you can search for available funds through Catalyst Stockton-on-Tees or the Tees Valley Community Foundation. If you wish to become a Community Space, please complete an application form and a member of the Fairer Stockton-on-Tees Team will be in contact to advise what support is available.
For wider support and advice, visit the Cost of Living Support Hub.
Directory of Community Spaces in Stockton-on-Tees
A lot of households are struggling with the cost of living. Many Community Spaces can offer advice and support for this, as well as free activities and much more.
Here you can find the Community Space nearest to you, opening days and times, and what facilities are on offer. These spaces offer a wider range of services so do check back for updates.
Visit the Directory of Community Spaces
Community Spaces activities
Welfare advice and information - outreach sessions
The Council's Welfare Advice & Information Officer will be attending some Community Spaces offering her services to people attending the venues. Help with benefits, welfare rights, Council Tax, family support and much more will be available.
There's no need to book. Just come down to one of the venues specified below. This timetable will work on a fortnightly basis, starting with Week A on Monday 4 December, and Week B from Monday 11 December. If you're not sure where you can attend, contact FSOT@stockton.gov.uk.
Week A
| Fortnightly from Monday 4 December | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Thornaby Central Library | Victoria Park, Thornaby (TBBT session) |
| Tuesday | Billingham Library | Billingham Family Hub |
| Wednesday | Teesside Vineyard Church - Thornaby | St Peter's Church, Yarm Road - Stockton |
| Thursday | Thornaby Family Hub | The Willows Community Centre - Stockton |
| Friday | Salvation Army - Stockton (Foodbank session) | Challoner House Community Pantry - Yarm |
Week B
| Fortnightly from Monday 11 December | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Salvation Army, Stockton (Community Space session) | Salvation Army, Stockton (Community Meal) |
| Tuesday | Café in the Park - John Whitehead Park, Billingham | St Columba's Church - Billingham |
| Wednesday | Sprouts Community Shop (next to Victoria Park Community Hall, Thornaby) | Norton Grange Community Pantry |
| Thursday | Thornaby Foodbank (Baptist Church, Thorntree Road) | Thornaby Warm Welcome Social |
| Friday | Stockton Family Hub | Lakota Hub - Stockton |
Discounted leisure sessions
Tees Active are offering subsidised sessions to keep you and your family active. You can swim at Thornaby Pool for £1.50 (Mondays 1.30pm to 2.45pm, Tuesday to Friday 1.30pm to 3pm) or take your little one to soft play at IB Leisure or Billingham Forum (Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am to 12pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm to 3pm).
Free courses with Stockton Learning and Skills
Stockton Learning and Skills are offering free courses across the Borough's Community Spaces. There are spaces for courses on creative writing, crafts, local history and art. Visit the Learning and Skills website for more information including course dates and times.
Library events programme
Stockton-on-Tees Libraries offer a wide range of services, facilities, events and activities across all their branches to suit all interests and ages.
The Community Spaces in Stockton-on-Tees Charter
A charter has been developed that all Community Spaces venues have signed up to. The charter also outlines what is expected of any member of the public who attends.