Broadcaster Jane Garvey presents the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the Good Faith Foundation’s Warm Welcome Campaign

Journalist and broadcaster Jane Garvey is presenting a BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the Good Faith Foundation, the charity that set up the Warm Welcome Campaign. The BBC Radio 4 Appeal will broadcast on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

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In 2022, in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the Good Faith Foundation launched the Warm Welcome Campaign to provide places where people could go to keep warm and save money on heating bills. Today, there are over 6,000 Warm Welcome Spaces. These spaces offer far more than warmth; they offer connection, friendship, and hope. Their volunteers provide conversation and companionship; communities share food, activities, and support; and people who might otherwise feel isolated find somewhere they can belong.

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The Warm Welcome Campaign resources, champions, and connects a growing network of Warm Welcome Spaces, from church halls in rural villages to libraries, mosques, community centres, and cafes in cities.

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One of these Warm Welcome Spaces is at Uplift, an adult and youth service. Uplift, based in the Small Heath area of Birmingham, is a bustling Warm Welcome Space supporting over 400 guests every week. It’s an inclusive multicultural space, and many of the guests are refugees and asylum seekers.

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Before recording the BBC Radio 4 Appeal, Jane Garvey met Uplift’s volunteers and Ayan, the mother of Abubakar, who regularly visits Uplift’s Warm Welcome Space.

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Recording the BBC Radio 4 Appeal at BBC Broadcasting House in early January, Jane Garvey said:

“I’ve seen the remarkable difference Warm Welcome Spaces make to communities. When I met Naima and Yasmin, two dedicated Warm Welcome volunteers, I could see the kindness and compassion they offer to people who are lonely or those struggling to make ends meet. These spaces are places full of joy and positivity and offer a lifeline. Your donation to the BBC Radio 4 Appeal can help make sure Warm Welcome Spaces remain open and continue to thrive.”

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Ayan’s son Abubaker has complex learning disabilities and autism. But when he turned 25, everything changed. The support stopped. Ayan says it felt like standing on a cliff edge with nothing left. Abubakar grew frustrated, and single mum Ayan felt alone. That changed when Ayan and Abubakar arrived at Uplift’s Warm Welcome Space. Volunteers Naima and Yasmin welcomed them with open arms. Like every Warm Welcome Space, it’s a place filled with love and laughter, offering both physical and human warmth.

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Uplift is one of more than 6,000 Warm Welcome Spaces supported by the Warm Welcome Campaign, helping ensure everyone has access to free, safe, and inclusive spaces. With rising costs, many spaces are finding it hard to keep pace with paying for rent, heating, lighting, and everyday essentials.

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David Barclay, Director for the Warm Welcome Campaign, said:

“We want everyone to find a place of connection close to home. Warm Welcome Spaces are a lifeline to millions of people, but they are run on a shoestring, and too many struggle to keep their doors open. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or lonely this winter. By making a donation to the BBC Radio 4 Appeal, you can help ensure Warm Welcome Spaces can continue their vital work, supporting people who struggle with energy bills and anyone simply looking for a warm, safe, friendly place to be.”

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The BBC Radio 4 Appeal will help. Donations will go to a fund that provides grants to Warm Welcome Spaces to help them stay open.

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Tune into the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

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