‘Warm Welcome’ grant scheme launched by Borough Council

The funding, a grant of £1200, is to help groups support what they can offer to residents and their families who are facing difficulties due to the increased cost of living. The funding allocated to the programme is from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

‘Warm welcome’ locations are places where people can go free of charge, have a hot drink and/or a warm meal to keep warm.  What is offered to people can vary at different locations, but it may also include social activities, free Wi-Fi, and information to help with directing to other services and groups.

Applications will be considered to support costs associated with providing a warm welcome location. For example, energy costs linked to the delivery of the project, food and refreshment costs, improving and/or enhancing an area and the start of a new activity, including costs for equipment to support the activity.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, executive member for community safety at the borough council, said:

“I am delighted that we can help provide grants for these hugely positive and much needed facilities. We have seen a wide range of locations open across the borough and the positive impact they are having in their local communities and being able to access this funding will help expand their work further when it’s most needed.

“Many organisations and groups offer this support all year round, but in the current economic climate for so many of our residents these places are needed more than ever. It’s not just about keeping warm; it’s about providing space for people to come together and support one another as well as providing vital advice and information.”

You can find out more information about the fund and the eligibility criteria by visiting warm welcome provision grant fund or by calling Jennifer Fry on 07557 816741. Deadline for applications is Friday 1 March 2024 or until the funding for the programme has been fully spent (whichever is sooner).

A ‘warm welcome’ locations directory with more than 40 different spaces throughout the borough provides information about what is on offer in each location, including days and times.