Registered locations that can act as Cool Spaces this summer.
Cool Spaces are designated areas within our local community that offer people opportunity to shelter from the sun, cool down, rest and take respite on hot days.
If you have a Cool Space to offer, please use this page to register.
Cool Spaces are public spaces open to the community. Private homes are not eligible to register.
To be a Cool Space you need to have:
- Cool rooms not impacted by direct sunlight or curtains/blinds to keep heat out or all-day shade if your Cool Space is outdoors
- Good airflow/ventilation
- Seating
- Toilets (including toilets available on request if required)
- Drinking water
If you are also able to offer outdoor shaded areas, air conditioning, or the opportunity to buy cold drinks, lollies or ice cream, these are very welcome.
Many of our partners already provide this type of facility within the community. If this is you, please consider formally registering your facilities or services so that we can add you to our Cool Spaces Directory. The Cool Spaces Directory will tell our residents how to access Cool Spaces near them.
It should take less than 5 minutes to complete the online registration. Once registered, if you need to amend your listing please use the Contact Us form at the top of this page.
What to expect if you register a Cool Space
If you register a Cool Space you will be asked to sign up to the Cool Spaces Charter. The Cool Spaces Charter is intended to outline what users of Cool Spaces can expect when they enter a space.
Local people using Cool Spaces can expect a guarantee of respect, dignity and a warm welcome.
Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert and CILIP have produced a guide for any organisation wanting to set up a warm space, which you may find helpful as many of the principles are the same. We have produced some guidance if you are thinking of serving food. Advice for everyone on staying safe in hot weather can be found on the government website.
Find out about the Refill free app to tap into a network of places to reduce, reuse and refill.
B&NES Cool Spaces Charter
You'll get a warm welcome at a Cool Space!
Every time you come to a Cool Space you'll be given a warm welcome from the staff and volunteers there.
Everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect
Everyone has a right to take shelter, so everyone in a Cool Space treats people, and is treated by people, with dignity and respect.
Your Cool Space will be a safe space
Your Cool Space will stick to the safeguarding policies that it always uses, and it will stick to food hygiene rules too.
It doesn't matter why you need a Cool Space
Every Cool Space is a non-judgemental space. Whatever the reason you have for needing to come in, you'll be treated the same and never judged.
Last updated: 5 June 2025