Becoming a Warm Welcome Church in Bristol
The Warm Welcome UK team at Ebeneezer Church Bristol
Opening our doors, together
Across Bristol, many people are facing rising costs, isolation and uncertainty. In response, churches have a timely and hopeful opportunity: to become Warm Welcome Spaces - places where people can come in from the cold, enjoy warmth and hospitality, and experience dignity and connection.
All over the city, churches are already opening their doors during the week, offering hot drinks, community meals and safe spaces to rest and talk. These simple acts of welcome often make a profound difference, helping to reduce loneliness and connect people to wider support.
You don’t have to do this alone
One of Bristol’s greatest strengths is its strong network of community organisations, faith partnerships and city-wide initiatives already supporting warm spaces and cost-of-living responses. Churches exploring this - or already doing it - do not need to reinvent the wheel.
There are people and organisations who can offer guidance, learning, safeguarding advice, and connections to others doing similar work across the city. By learning from what’s already happening, churches can offer welcome that is sustainable, relational and well connected to local need.
Becoming a warm welcome space is not about doing more - it’s about doing together. When churches partner well, their doors become gateways to hope, community and care across Bristol.
Want to know more about the Bristol Warm Welcome Network - contact aaron.james@goodfaith.org.uk
Resources & Links
Bristol City Council – Find a Welcoming Space
Official Bristol City Council list and map of local Welcoming Spaces, including opening times and what’s offered (hot drinks, social activities, computer access, advice).
👉 https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/welcoming-spaces/find-a-welcoming-space
Warm Welcome Campaign
A national movement supporting thousands of warm spaces, including many churches in Bristol. Offers practical guidance, learning resources and opportunities to connect with others doing the same.
👉 https://warmwelcome.uk
Bristol Family Hubs (official page)
Central information on Family Hubs across Bristol — activities, how to get support, what’s available, and how to contact your local hub.
👉 https://www.bristol.gov.uk/bristol-family-hubs
Bristol Noise / Noise 365
Year-round community engagement initiative from Bristol Noise. Supports churches with practical outreach, volunteer mobilisation and community projects.
👉 https://www.thenoise.org.uk/noise365
Bristol Churches City Fund (BCCF)
Provides grants to church-led social action projects. Also includes case studies of how Bristol churches are engaging with their communities.
👉 https://www.bristolchurchescityfund.co.uk