WITH soaring energy prices leaving many homes unheated as winter draws in, a number of community champions and organisations have rallied to provide some sanctuary for those struggling.

Kendal's Gateway Church Reverend Jonny Gios has been a pioneer in the creation of community 'warm spots', with more than 130 now open across Cumbria.

Jonny started his 'Winter Warm Bank' in Kendal Town Hall on October 5, running every Wednesday between 10 am and 1 pm, welcoming anybody in need of a heated room, a hot drink, some company, and activity.

A co-ordinated effort since then has seen others offer a warm space in town on different days, but Jonny said more help is always needed.

"Currently we've got Tuesday down at Gillingate Salvation Army, in conjunction with Kendal Parish Church between 1.30 and 3.30 pm, Wednesdays its us, Thursdays at St Thomas' Church on Stricklandgate between 1 and 4pm, and Fridays between noon and 3pm at the Leisure Centre," he said.

"We're trying to get somewhere for everyone, ideally seven days a week.

"I can't believe that we're having to run it.

"It would have been unthinkable only last year to have to do this, but people can't heat their homes.

"People are sharing ovens, people are sharing living rooms on a night to stay warm."

Jonny has been relying on generous donations from local businesses and organisations such as Amanda Slattery's Maya Maya, who raised £470 through a clothes sale, with plans for another at the end of November.

READ MORE: 'Massive' donation of boutique fashion to go on sale for new winter charity

"Windermere Round Table has given us £300 for hot water bottles so we're going to be giving them out free", he said.

"It seems such a daft thing to do in some respects but actually, if people can get that immediate warmth, it's only a good thing.

"It's not just the warm factor, it's the connection with people - we provide board games and do quizzes for people to get involved in with a tea or coffee, and they seem to enjoy it.

"When we talk about loneliness and isolation, we think only of elderly people, but it's not, its people in their 20s and younger folk aswell that have been coming along.

"We'd really just like to get that message across that these spaces are available, and everyone is welcome."