When you think about a farm, “warm” is probably not the first word that comes to mind.
Kentish Town City Farm is aiming to change that, as it has joined Camden Council’s “Warm Welcome” scheme, which will provide free warm spaces for those who need them over the Christmas period.
The farm’s director, Eira Gibson, said: “People who come [to the warm space] can come and have a cup of tea, read a book, play some games. If they want, they can also visit Shirley the cow and enjoy our gardens and our outdoor spaces. So this is an extension of our everyday offer.”
“We have a front room space. We have asked for donations so we’ve got a lovely beanbag in there and some cushions. We’re just trying to make that a nice space so that you can come and spend more time at the farm.”
Eira would like the scheme to bring visitors to the farm at a time of year where many tend to stay indoors.
She said: “Our busier times are normally in the spring and summer, but we hope that by offering this it will make the farm an option for more people.”
The Warm Welcome scheme will see libraries open as usual to provide warm spaces for people struggling to afford to heat their homes.
They will be supplemented during the winter period by a number of community centres, youth centres, residents’ associations and churches.
The council's website says: “Everyone is invited to come in, relax and meet up with others in a safe and warm place.”
“Each ‘warm welcome’ space offers something a little different. But wherever you visit, you'll find a warm and friendly place to enjoy. You’ll also be able to get help and support with the cost-of-living crisis if you need it.”
Kentish Town City Farm will be offering its warm space on Monday to Sunday, 9am until 5pm, between December 17 and January 4 (excluding Christmas Day).
Other participants in the scheme will provide warm spaces until as late as the end of March.
A full list of warm spaces is available on the Camden Council website at www.camden.gov.uk/warm-spaces-in-camden
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