Warm and welcoming places for residents
As winter draws in and the weather takes a turn for the worse, we have been working with our local partners to identify safe places that can provide free and welcoming warm spaces for our residents.
These are non-judgemental spaces where people could visit to enjoy some company, meet new people or simply relax, read or work while staying warm.
Please let us know if you have opened a warm community space and would like to be included in our list.
Libraries
All six libraries across the borough are open to everyone, offering a warm and welcoming space.
Find out more about our library opening hours and their regular events.
Visit the Bexley Libraries website
All our libraries have free wifi.
Age UK Befriending Cafes
Geddes Place Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath, DA6 7DJ
- Bexleyheath Befriending Café – Monday 11am to 1pm
- Bexleyheath men’s Group – Wednesday 11am to 1 pm
Belvedere Community Centre, Mitchell Close, Belvedere, DA17 6AA
- Belvedere Befriending Café – Tuesday 11am to 1pm
Erith and Belvedere Football Club, Park View road, Welling, DA16 1SY
- Welling Women’s Group – Wednesday 10.30am to 12.30pm
Blackfen Community Library, 7-9 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen Road, Sidcup, DA15 9LU
- Blackfen Befriending Café – Thursday 10.30am to 12.30pm
Lake View Court, Central Way, London, SE28 8GL
- Thamesmead Befriending Café – Monday and Thursday 11am to 1pm
Wolsley House, Wolsley Close, Crayford, DA1 4BE
- Crayford Befriending Café – Friday 2pm to 4pm
The first visit is free, with the opportunity to sign up as a member for £10 per month for unlimited Befriending Café visits for free tea, coffee and biscuits.
More events and activities by Age UK Bexley
Blackfen Community Library, 7 - 9 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen DA15 9LU
Open:
- Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
- Saturday 9.30am to 3pm
We have a variety of activities and events, with Wi-Fi, computers and laptops available for people to use for free. We have work areas and comfortable seating for people to hang out. We have an affordable coffee shop on site selling hot drinks, breakfast, lunches and treats.
They are open to anyone.
More about our Warm Welcome Space
Carers Support Bexley
Wolsley House, Wolsley Close, Crayford, DA1 4BE
- Music for Memory - Monday 2pm to 3.30pm
- Memory Support Group – Wednesday 11am to 1pm
- Café/Drop-in for Carers – Every other Friday 11am to 1pm
Blackfen Community Library, 7-9 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen Road, Sidcup, DA15 9LU
- Memory Support Group – Tuesday 11am to 1pm
More events by Carers Support Bexley
Christ Church, Bexleyheath Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 7BT
CCB short mat bowls club
- Mondays between 1pm to 4pm
- BB Hall
Knitting Group
- Tuesdays between 10am to 12 noon
- New Room
Waiting list in operation Email christchurchbexleyheath@gmail.com for more information.
Sunbeams - under 5s playgroup
- Thursdays during term time between 10.30am to 12 noon
- Roberts Hall
- £2 a child
Bible Group
- Fridays between 10am to 11.30am
- New Room
Email christchurchbexleyheath@gmail.com to book a spot.
Stella Active Health
- Fridays between 2pm to 3pm
- Pincott Hall
- £6 a class
Josie’s Vintage Café - breakfast at very low prices plus a listening ear
- Saturdays between 10am to 12:30pm
- New Room
Sunday Church Services
- Sundays at 8am, 10am and 6pm
- Church
Lunchtime Concert
- First Wednesday of each month (except August 2024)
- 12pm (£5 Lunch) and 1pm (free Concert)
- Church
U3A
- Second Thursday of each month at 1.45pm
- Church
Membership information is on the door - Bexley U3A.
Visit Christ Church Bexleyheath's website
Irish Community Services
The Irish Centre Ground Floor, Westhill House, 2B Devonshire Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8DS
- Aggie’s Café – Wednesday 10.30am to 1.30pm
Find out more about Irish Community Services
St Augustine, Slade Green, Slade Green Road, Slade Green DA8 2HX
Welcome Café. Dementia Friendly.
- 11am to 12.30pm - tea, coffee and cake
- 12.30pm to 2pm - soup and sandwiches
Further information is available from the St Augustine Website.
St John the Evangelist Church, Church Road, Sidcup DA14 6BX
Winter warmer
A space with board games, books, and places for people to chat, read, or study. Toddler play area and a quiet area for working and studying.
Free Wi-Fi. Refreshments are provided including hot drinks.
- Tuesday 2.30pm to 3.30pm - singing group for anyone with memory issues/living with dementia and his/her carer - tea, coffee and cake provided - free
- Wednesday 10am to 1pm - everyone welcome - coffee, tea, cakes, children's area, Wi-Fi - free
- Saturday 10am to 12 noon - everyone welcome - pancakes, fruit and sauces - free
Find out more about Winter warmer
Place of welcome
Free coffee (and other hot drinks), delicious cakes, biscuits, free Wi-Fi, children’s corner and a chat or a time of quiet.
- every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm
Find out more about Place of welcome
The Exchange, The Old Library, Walnut Tree Road, Erith DA8 1RS
Our doors are open for all to use our 'Town Square' - the main space at The Exchange
- every Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm
You can use the space to work, study, meet, or simply to keep warm, for free. You can also find out about what else is going on in the local area including information about local support service.
Free - no booking required.
Find out more about The Exchange
Welling Salvation Army, 124 Welling High Street, Welling DA16 1TJ
Coffee Morning - no charge, but donations are welcome.
- Fridays from 10am to 12 noon
- Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm
Find out more about Welling Salvation Army
New Community Church, 24 Station Road, Sidcup, DA15 7DU
- coffee bar opens Wednesdays from 9am
Workspace, Warm space, free wifi, mobile phone charging and hot drinks.
Find out more about New Community Church
St Andrews Church, Marylands Drive, Albany Park, DA14 4RY
- fill my cup Friday 10am to 12 noon
Free hot drinks, cake and biscuits, free wifi, activities and books to take away.
Find out more about St Andrew’s
Peabody - Cosy Corners
Peabody has introduced Cosy Corners at some of their community centres based in and around Thamesmead and everyone is welcome.
Each provides:
- free tea and coffee
- energy saving advice
- use of charging points
- get support and advice about the cost of living
Visit the Peabody website to find the community centres that have introduced Cosy Corners and their opening times.
The Salvation Army, Lion Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8NR
- we invite you to our Warm Space on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 2pm
During this time we provide free tea/coffee and cake as well as soup and a roll from 12noon.
We also provide free Wi-Fi.
All free of charge! - all ages welcome.
For more information, call 020 8092 7256.