Over 100 venues have already signed up to keep Rhondda Cynon Taf Residents safe and warm through the colder months until the end of March.
Thanks to the hundreds of dedicated and selfless volunteers who have once again come forward to help those in need – thousands of residents will have a lifeline to get them through the colder months and throughout the year.
The newly named Safe and Warm Spaces builds upon the success of the Winter Welcome Centre’s which have been hugely successful over the last THREE years.
Since the project was launched in 2022, over 14,000 residents have been supported and given hot meals, snacks and drinks.
This year there are more Safe and Warm Spaces open than ever before, with around 108 venues receiving a share of £125,000 of Welsh Government Safe & Warm Spaces funding.
This is in addition to, over £2.5 Million that has been secured and allocated by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council from UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, Welsh Government and other external funding sources which has been awarded to third and voluntary sector community groups to help support the amazing work they do across our County Borough.
The Warm & Safe Spaces are now open and will provide a safe place to stay warm, have a snack, warm cuppa and a chat.
If you’re feeling the cold and need a safe place to stay warm, have a snack, warm cuppa, a chat, charge your mobile phone, get free energy advice and even get involved in free activities – then these spaces are for you and your family.
All 13 Libraries in RCT will operate as Safe and Warm Spaces this Winter and residents will be assured of a warm welcome, and a place to relax and recharge mobile devices.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“We are committed to doing all we can to support our most vulnerable residents and the organisations that support them. Since April 2022, the Council has paid out millions of pounds to residents as part of Welsh Government and RCT Council commitment.
“Over the last few years, we have provided support ranging from direct payments to thousands of families to providing financial support to local foodbanks to help them continue to deliver their vital work.
“I’m pleased to announce that we are able to support our community organisations who, in turn help us support our residents.”
Residents who feel that they need extra support can contact the Council at any time via the Community Resilience Hubs by completing a ‘request for support form’ online at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CostOfLiving. Support will be provided by; Council Staff, Community Resilience Volunteers; 3rd Sector and community partners.
Rhondda Cynon Taf residents can also get advice on the services available through the Council’s Heat and Save Team, the services available include:
- Grant or Loan Assistance - financial aid may be available to improve the energy efficiency of homes with (examples of works).
- RCT Switch - an impartial free tariff switching advice.
- General energy efficiency advice to save energy at home.
- Advice regarding utility debts (gas, electric and water).
- Advice regarding maximising income and money management. For more information visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/heatandsave or email the team at heatandsave@rctcbc.gov.uk.
For full details and locations on the Safe and Warm Spaces please visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/SafeAndWarmSpaces and for general advice on the cost of living support that is available to you, visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.
Posted on 27/11/2025