Cold nights, warm hearts: How faith groups can help support their communities this winter

The UK is in the midst of its coldest nights yet this winter. Temperatures have fallen as low as -12C in Norfolk, parts of Scotland have reached-11C and parts of London have seen temperatures of -5C. The Met Office has issued Amber snow warnings in Scotland and Yellow snow warnings in East England in response to the increasing chill, snow and ice.

While the colder weather can bring excitement, days out, and cosy evenings in for some, personal struggles can also become more acute for others. The UKHSA has issued Amber cold-health alerts meaning an increased risk to life, especially for those who are vulnerable or elderly, and increased demand on health and care systems. Faith groups are uniquely placed to provide support to their local communities by encouraging public health and wellbeing, becoming a key pillar of help and guidance for many during colder months.

As communities turn to their faith spaces this winter, stay informed about national advice, support and networks to share with others.

National advice for staying safe and healthy in cold weather

The increased risk of winter illness can be made worse by poor quality housing and cold homes. The government-recommended temperature to heat homes at is 18C. When a house is damp as well as cold, mould is more likely to occur. This can further increase the risk of illness, especially for people with asthma.

If you or someone you know is struggling to afford energy bills, financial support is available. You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2025 to 2026 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or are on a low income.

In England only, if you are on a low household income of below £36,000 and have a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G, you may be eligible for the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme which offers free energy saving improvements made to your home.

If someone is over the age of 66 and on a low income, they can apply for Pension Credit for help with living costs.

Faith groups can also sign up for the UKHSA Health Alert system. The alerts are received by email and are used by many statutory and voluntary sector services to activate cold weather plans or bring in certain services such as overnight shelters for the homeless.

What can faith leaders and organisations offer?

Become a Warm Welcome Space with Good Faith Partnership

There are almost 6,000 Warm Welcome Spaces right across the UK. You can find your nearest Warm Welcome Space using their online map tool. Churches, libraries, community organisations, businesses, schools and other faith groups can all register as a Warm Welcome Space through the website by entering their Space’s address, opening times, facilities and any other relevant information they might want guests to know. Once registered, spaces get access to the Warm Welcome resources, comprised of carefully curated guidelines, toolkits, and checklists.

As well as being somewhere warm, many who have visited feel a sense of belonging and increased positive mood by interacting with others.

Please consider registering your space as a Warm Welcome Space for free today.

Many local authorities also run Warm Space programmes, utilising council owned spaces such as libraries, or partner with VCFSE organisations. Have a look at your local council website and see if your area has any available.

Become a Winter Night Shelter Member

If your faith space offers daytime support, night shelters and emergency accommodation, consider becoming a Winter Night Shelter Member with Housing Justice. Housing Justice supports a national network of small, grassroots faith or community-led organisations providing emergency accommodation and homelessness services in their local areas.

Become a Friendly Place

Research has shown that winter affects how we feel mentally and socially. With the temperature down and fewer daylight hours, many of us can feel demotivated, unsociable, more isolated, and even depressed.

By signing up to FaithAction’s Friendly Places Pledge, a faith group makes a commitment to be a place which welcomes and supports those struggling with their mental health.

Become an Independent Food Aid Network member

If you or your organisation offers food aid to your local community, the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) supports and advocates on behalf of hundreds of independent food aid providers operating across the UK.

By becoming a free member, you get sharing advice, guidelines, best practice and funding opportunities. IFAN runs regular meetings, webinars and conferences for members to share concerns, ideas and best practice. Your contribution to ending food poverty will also be collated in reports, which ultimately contributes to advocating for policy changes.

Consider signing up to be an IFAN member today.