Better leisure centres in Bodmin, Bude, Newquay, St Austell and St Ives are taking part in the Warm Welcome Spaces campaign this winter.

Each centre is offering weekly free drop-in sessions to anyone in need of warmth, a hot drink, biscuits and wifi.

Run by not-for-profit social enterprise GLL, the five centres are also participating in The Great Winter Get Together from 12-15 January – a long weekend of community events to help people make meaningful connections and reduce loneliness.

“The colder months can be very challenging, and this campaign is all about providing warm, convivial places for anyone who needs them,” said Karen Edmond, GLL’s Community Sports Manager in Cornwall.

“We’re pleased to be contributing to a brilliant initiative that offers space, heat and companionship throughout the county and country and look forward to welcoming those who come along. 

“Sometimes the greatest gift is a friendly smile, a cup of tea and the chance to have a natter.”

Bodmin Leisure Centre is offering its free drop-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm; Bude Leisure Centre is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to midday; Newquay Leisure World is Monday to Fridays from 1pm to 3pm; St Austell Leisure Centre is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm to 3pm and St Ives is Monday to Friday from 1pm to 3pm.

For more information about the campaign, visit https://www.warmwelcome.uk/