OVO’s Community Events: A Warm Welcome Week Across the UK

Introduction to Warm Welcome Week

As winter blankets the UK, the importance of community support shines brighter than ever. OVO Energy is stepping up with a series of impactful events known as Warm Welcome Week, designed to extend a warm embrace to all, regardless of their energy provider. The aim is simple yet profound: to provide a welcoming space where individuals and families can access valuable energy-saving advice and resources.

Schedule of Events

Starting January 19, 2026, OVO will hold a variety of community events in key locations throughout Scotland, England, and Wales. Participants can expect to find gatherings in cities like Glasgow, Dundee, London, Coventry, Bristol, and Swansea. Each event presents an opportunity for community members to engage, learn, and collect essential energy-saving products at no cost.

What to Expect at the Events

Attendees will have the opportunity to consult with experts who will share simple tips on how to reduce energy consumption effectively. Those eligible may receive assistance including:

• Free electric blankets
• Energy-efficient light bulbs
• Solar battery banks

These initiatives have the potential to save families up to £360 per year, making a significant difference, especially during these challenging times.

Partnering for Greater Impact

A range of organizations, including StepChange, Samaritans, BITC, and Citizens Advice, will be present to provide additional support in the form of debt advice and resources for those facing financial hardships. These partnerships underscore OVO’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted issues faced by many households today.

A Response to the Cost of Living Crisis

The Warm Welcome Week initiative, launched in partnership with the Warm Welcome charity, is a direct response to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Recent surveys highlight that 70% of individuals believe that Warm Spaces could help them cope with rising costs, while 26% reported visiting a Warm Space in the past year. OVO aims to ensure that no one feels the burdens of winter isolation and financial strain alone.

The Ongoing Support of OVO

This initiative is just one part of OVO’s broader commitment to supporting households, which stands alongside their £56 million Extra Support Package. The package aims not only to offer immediate relief but also to foster a sense of belonging and community resilience.

Quotes from Leaders

Steven Donovan, OVO’s Customer Vulnerability Lead, emphasizes the human connection behind the initiative: “Warm Welcome Week is an incredibly important initiative that supports families across the UK during one of the most difficult times of year.” He calls attention to the need for stronger government support through a social tariff to protect those struggling to heat their homes amid persistently high energy prices.

In collaboration, David Barclay, Director of the Warm Welcome Campaign, notes, “Demand for Warm Welcome Spaces is always high in January… [OVO’s] generous support is vital,” underlining the urgency and necessity of community support this winter.

The Community Events Schedule

Here’s a closer look at the locations and times of the upcoming events:

Monday, January 19

• London: Nourish Hub, Unit A, Swanscombe House, 1 St Ann’s Rd, W11 4SS. 12 PM – 3 PM
• Newcastle: St Vincent’s Centre, New Bridge St, NE1 2TQ. 10 AM – 2 PM

Tuesday, January 20

• Coventry: Foleshill Baptist Church, Broad Street, CV6 5AZ. 11 AM – 3 PM
• Dundee: Wellgate Library, The Wellgate, DD1 1DB. 12 PM – 4 PM

Wednesday, January 21

• Dundee: Just Bee Productions, St Paul’s Church, 118 Nethergate, DD1 4EH. 10 AM – 2 PM
• Bristol: St Anne’s House, Brislington, BS4 4AB. 10 AM – 2 PM

Thursday, January 22

• Swansea: The Collaboration Station, St David’s Place, SA1 3LG. 10 AM – 2 PM

Friday, January 23

• Glasgow: The Pyramid at Anderston, 759 Argyle St, G3 8DS. 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Additional Support Measures

OVO has significantly invested in support measures since 2022, providing £190 million in assistance. This includes initiatives such as:

• Providing heated blankets, smart sockets, and energy efficiency kits.
• Offering comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades, which may include loft insulation, new boilers, and even advanced technologies like heat pumps.
• Financial support through options like Direct Debit reductions and emergency credit top-ups.

Find Your Local Warm Welcome Space

Community members can locate their nearest Warm Welcome Space using an interactive map available here, ensuring everyone knows where to turn for help.

Engaging with the Community

OVO’s initiative is not just about offering products—it’s about fostering connections and creating a supportive community fabric. With the warmth and hope it provides, OVO encourages everyone to participate in Warm Welcome Week and support one another through the colder months.