The Door Is Still Open: Our Warm Space and Early Homelessness Prevention Continues in Coventry
- bardsleyyouth
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
When the Weather Is Still Cold, We’re Still Open
For many young people in Coventry, the hardest months of the year don’t arrive suddenly.
They arrive quietly.
An electricity bill that feels impossible.
A benefits delay.
A tenancy that feels fragile.
A room that never quite gets warm.
At Bardsley Youth Project, we continue to run our Warm Space at Bardsley House — a youth-centre space designed specifically for young people aged 16–25.
As a charity focused on preventing youth homelessness in Coventry, we know that when a young person cannot afford to turn the heating on, it is rarely just about the heating.
It is often the early sign of wider pressures building.
Any Young Person Can Walk In
Our Warm Space sessions are open. Any young person can walk in.
If they are struggling to heat their home, need somewhere warm to sit, or are feeling overwhelmed by some of life’s demands, they are welcome.
From experience, we know that when a young person cannot afford to turn the heating on, or is struggling with other life demands, there are often wider challenges present which, if left unsupported, could increase their risk of homelessness.
The Warm Space gives us the opportunity to step in early. A warm meal often opens the door to conversations about the challenges a young person is facing.
Sessions run three afternoons a week, typically from October through to May — when financial pressure is often at it's highest.
Why a Youth-Focused Space Matters
Young people’s lives are often centred around school, college, and their peer groups. Entering a space that feels removed from that familiar environment can take confidence — something a young person approaching crisis may be struggling to find.
Our space is different.
It is:
Youth-focused
Relatable
On their level
Calm and welcoming
Trusted adults — support workers or family friends — are welcome to accompany young people if that helps them feel more comfortable. But the environment remains centred around young people and their experiences.
Because when someone feels comfortable and psychologically safe, it becomes easier to talk about the things that are hard — including housing and financial pressures — before they escalate.
How You Can Support the Warm Space
If you would like to play a part in this work, there are two simple ways to get involved.
1) Donate to the Nourish Connect Support Campaign
Our Nourish, Connect, Support campaign helps fund the hot meals provided in our Warm Space. Sharing food often creates the opportunity for young people to engage with support before challenges escalate.
For £5 you can provide a nutritious meal.
Each contribution helps create the conditions where early conversations can happen — and where housing and financial pressures can be addressed before they escalate.
👉 Learn more or donate via Nourish, Connect, Support.
2) Volunteer as an Open Door Day Host
Open Door Day Hosts support our Warm Space sessions by helping create a welcoming and friendly environment for young people.
As an Open Door Day Host, you might:
Welcome young people as they arrive
Make drinks and help prepare food
Support the calm flow of the session
Chat with young people and make them feel at ease
Help maintain a warm and welcoming environment
Or even play a game of pool with a young person
You can view our current volunteering opportunities on our website.
A Final Thought
For some young people in Coventry, this week still means choosing between heating and eating.
We’re still here.
And with your support, we can continue providing early support when it matters most.
Coventry young people. Coventry support. Coventry impact.
