In Kind Direct and the Warm Welcome Campaign unite to bring warmth to communities this winter

The UK’s leading product-giving charity, In Kind Direct, and the Warm Welcome Campaign have launched a new partnership to bring warmth, belonging, and connection to communities this winter.

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The Warm Welcome Campaign supports and resources a growing network of over 5,500 Warm Welcome Spaces. Last winter, Warm Welcome Spaces supported over 2.6 million visitors in local communities across the UK.

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A recent poll revealed that most Warm Welcome Spaces (91%) offer guests free food and drinks, over a third (35%) offer a food pantry or food bank, around three-quarters (74%) signpost guests to additional support services, and 26% offer debt or benefits advice.

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In Kind Direct and Warm Welcome are united by their shared mission to support people struggling to access the products they need to stay warm this winter and provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for communities across the UK. The new partnership was announced at the Warm Welcome Campaign’s Winter Launch (21 October 2025), an event designed to help Warm Welcome Spaces get ready for the coldest and darkest time of year when they are in greatest demand.

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In Kind Direct helps over half a million people every week access the products they need to live clean and well. Last year they distributed more than 430,000 care packs and saved their network nearly £30m.

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A recent survey of In Kind Direct’s charitable network showed the difference the products they access can make to people’s lives.

● 74% said products support people to access essentials they would otherwise be unable to afford.

● 73% said products support people experiencing hygiene poverty.

● 72% said products help people to feel valued and cared for.

● 69% said products improve people’s dignity and confidence.

● 66% said products improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

● 24% said products help foster friendship.

A recent poll commissioned by the Warm Welcome Campaign revealed the items that Warm Welcome Spaces said they most needed:

● 81% said tea and coffee

● 78% said biscuits

● 48% said crafting supplies

● 43% said cleaning supplies

● 37% said personal hygiene products

● 32% said warm clothing

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In Kind Direct already supports some Warm Welcome Spaces. By working in partnership, In Kind Direct and the Warm Welcome Campaign will enable the 5,500+ Warm Welcome Spaces to access essential products to keep their doors open over the winter and beyond.

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Emma, from Birmingham PlayCare Network, said:

“We have been running Warm Welcome opportunities since 2022, initially offering a warm drink and a friendly space for our community to come along and chat to other local residents and neighbours. We now offer exercise classes, craft sessions, home education and bereavement support. The items we access from In Kind Direct, such as craft items, tea and coffee, allow us to run these sessions for our warm space, as well as give thank you gifts to our volunteers. Providing a space for people to sit and talk, make new connections and not feel so alone is absolutely invaluable to our community.”

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Any registered UK charitable organisation, including schools, food banks, community groups and libraries are eligible to join In Kind Direct’s network to access a range of essential products for the people they support. Join both In Kind Direct’s network and become a Warm Welcome Space today.

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Michael Gidney, CEO at In Kind Direct, added:

“We know that winter is an incredibly tough time for communities across the UK, especially for people who are struggling to access essential products to keep warm and well, and people experiencing loneliness and needing a safe space to connect with other people. Our partnership with Warm Welcome will allow us to reach even more people, and we're very proud of the difference we will be able to make together."

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David Barclay, Warm Welcome’s Campaign Director, added:

“We are thrilled to partner with In Kind Direct; it will make an enormous difference to Warm Welcome Spaces and the communities they support. These spaces are a lifeline to people who are lonely or struggling to pay the bills, especially in the cold and dark days of winter.  Warm Welcome Spaces are run on a shoestring and are powered by good-hearted volunteers, and most don’t have the spare cash to pay for day-to-day essentials like tea, food, and hygiene products. They rely on donations and small gifts in kind to keep their doors open.  We’re proud to partner with In Kind Direct and know this will be a gift that keeps on giving. By working together, we can unlock the power of community spaces made by and for everyone, creating a thriving network of hope and reconnection fuelled by human warmth.”