In a bid to foster the growth of community spaces across Devon, National Grid Electricity Distribution has struck a mutually beneficial partnership with Warm Welcome.

The initiative is aligned with their Warm Welcome for All pledge, which aspires for everyone in the UK to enjoy free access to welcoming communal areas.

The announcement was made at a roundtable meeting chaired by former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown.

It detailed various strategies for businesses to bolster community spaces in Devon while combatting fuel poverty, thereby fostering an interconnected society.

Senior business leaders attended the discussion, and key collaborations with Warm Welcome were explored to exert a substantial, positive influence on communities.

Warm Welcome was established in 2022 to tackle the cost-of-living crisis after a meeting between the Rt Hon Gordon Brown and several faith leaders.

As of now, the initiative comprises 4,000 Warm Welcome Spaces all over the UK — from faith groups to cafes.

These communal spaces have catered to over 4.5 million visitors over the past two winters.

Currently, 62 per cent of the UK population live within a 30-minute walking distance from a registered Warm Welcome Space.

Budleigh Salterton's Seachange is one of the many Warm Welcome Spaces in Devon.

It provides support and several activities to residents of East Devon aimed at promoting health and reducing isolation.

National Grid’s Community Matters Fund has been a primary contributor, injecting £2.7m funding into over 400 Warm Spaces last year.

Since its 2021 launch, the fund has awarded £10.5 million to charities, local groups, and non-profits in the Midlands, the South West, and South Wales.

The partnership promises volunteer opportunities in local Warm Welcome Spaces for National Grid employees during winter.

It also guarantees additional aid for such Spaces in Devon to flourish as an essential communal hub.

Following its new five-year plan, Warm Welcome anticipates that about 1,000 Warm Welcome Spaces across the communities it serves will receive support from National Grid within two years.

Former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown, said: "Warm Welcome is starting to change the culture of our country, beginning to turn the tide on both poverty and isolation and connecting individuals and communities.

"This partnership with National Grid Electricity Distribution is significant.

"It will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging more and more businesses to come forward in support of the ‘Warm Welcome for All’ pledge."

Paul Branston, the director of regulation at National Grid Electricity said: "It was a pleasure hosting the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, Warm Welcome and business leaders to discuss what more can be done to help community initiatives in Devon thrive.

"This new partnership is another big step in the right direction and will significantly increase the number of, and access to, Warm Welcome Spaces, tackling loneliness and isolation."

David Barclay, the campaign director at Warm Welcome, said: "National Grid Electricity Distribution's generous partnership with Warm Welcome will be game-changing.

"As our inaugural pledge partner, National Grid is leading the way in helping to realise our vision for everyone to find a place of belonging and reconnection at a Warm Welcome Space near their home."