Cost of Living: How a Yorkshire bowling club has more than doubled its numbers after becoming a Warm Space

Warm Spaces, with a network to help people manage their energy costs and give free guidance and advice, have sprung up across the country. This one is proving particularly popular, where there are blindfolded bowling sessions and a specially adapted wheelchair for players with mobility issues, named The Bowls Royce.

Club captain Laura Hassoun, who has been bowling since she was three years old, said it's one of the most accessible sports – and a great way to meet new people.

“There are just no barriers in bowls, it’s an intergenerational sport and the only sport where a nine-year-old can play against a 90-year-old and they both have the same chance of winning," she added. “The club’s always welcomed new players, but becoming a Warm Space has meant we’ve been able to offer these free sessions and put on more events – and that’s made a huge difference to the local community.”

The club has been established for more than a century and became a Warm Space in January. There is a heated pavilion, food and refreshments, games and of course bowling.

With attendance now more than double what it was last year, the club is looking to expand its free sessions and form competitive teams.

As a Warm Space, there is guidance for food banks, housing issues, and digital inclusion, and 174 similar venues across Leeds have been visited by more than 40,000 people since January.

Ms Hassoun said people come for many reasons; they might be struggling and in need of support or they just fancy a game of bowls.

"The important thing is they’re all together, helping each other," she said.“We’ve even got a couple of people who come along to share seeds and some gardening tips, but most people do prefer to play bowls once they’ve tried it.”

Charities and faith groups and partnerships such as Voluntary Action Leeds have been working with the council across the city to set up initiatives, such as a Heritage Cafe in Harehills and Garforth, and regular film clubs at New Wortley Community Centre.

Operations manager Rebecca Houlding said it’s about removing labels: “Some families are just too proud; many in-work families face pressure and stigma that they have never felt before. We had to think out of the box.”

To find out more visit Harehills Crown Green Bowling Club Facebook page.

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