Derbyshire organisations invited to apply to Warm Spaces fund

Voluntary, community and charity organisations are encouraged to apply for a grant from Derbyshire County Council to support residents this winter.

So far the authority has received 63 applications totalling just over £51,000 to its new Warm Spaces Fund. 

The council has now increased the fund by an extra £100,000 so it can support even more groups to help people struggling with rising living costs.

Organisations can apply for up to £1,000 to open up warm places to provide a safe, warm refuge for residents who are struggling to heat their homes during the colder months.

The money could be used to open new spaces or to extend opening hours where they are already running. It can be used to help towards the costs associated with running a building such as energy bills, cleaning or to provide activities or refreshments.

Councillor Carol Hart, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “Charities, voluntary and community organisations are already doing everything they can to support our residents this winter.

“But, like all of us, they are not immune to the rises in the cost of living which is why we’ve put in place extra support so they can continue to keep their doors open or offer additional support.

“We welcome applications from a range of community groups to set up a warm and welcoming space where people can sit, get warm, meet others and have a chat and perhaps a warm drink and a snack too.”

To qualify for a grant, organisations must pledge to offer a heated space which is free to use during the winter months, provide seating and may offer activities or refreshments such as a warm drink and a biscuit.

People visiting warm spaces will also be given information to help them with cost of living support, as well as advice on looking after their mental health and well-being.

All county council run libraries are also warm and welcoming spaces.

For more details about warm spaces and how to apply for a grant visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/warmspaces

The county council has put together a dedicated webpage of support and information at: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/costofliving