Pensioner disappointed at charity not running warm spaces in Sussex

The woman, from Brighton, who asked not to be named, said she was told by Age UK staff at the office in Prestonville Road, near Seven Dials in Brighton, that its centres were not able to be used as official warm spaces.

This was after she saw an article on the charity’s website offering for people to “come in from the cold” by using centres as warm spaces as part of its support package which includes helping people access benefits and other services.

Age UK said it has faced staff shortages and challenges in recruitment which means warm banks at its centres in Bognor, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill would not be a “regular, reliable option”.

• READ MORE: New 'warm spaces' could be launched this winter amid looming energy crisis

“There are older people who would be grateful for both the warmth and the company regardless of any benefits Age UK are helping people with", the pensioner said. 

"It’s having people together being able to talk, I thought that was one of Age UK’s key principles to help against loneliness."

She added: “They have promoted their warm spaces and it isn’t the case. I think it’s concerning. The service would be appreciated by people just for warmth and a cup of tea.”

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove said it initially hoped to have its cafes open for longer and promoted as official warm banks.

The cafe in Bognor is open from 8am till 3.30pm, while the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath cafes are open from 9am till 3pm.

The office in Prestonville Road is not open to the public.

Age UK's centre in Prestonville Road, Brighton (Image: Google Maps)

It has now updated its article from September 28 to say it will signpost people to other warm spaces in the city.

The Argus understands that demand has been low to use the centres as warm spaces.

Sarah Watson, chief operating officer at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, said: “Although we’re not registering our centres as official warm spaces, we hope those in need will still contact us as there are a whole range of ways we can help.

“In the last year we identified more than £3 million worth of unclaimed benefits which are now being paid to older people locally.

"This has allowed many to cope with energy bill increases and keep warm in winter, perhaps no longer needing to consider using a public warm space.

"Those worried can still get individual support from us by phone or email and shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch.”