Warm and welcoming spaces grant fund now open for applications

Community groups across Derbyshire are being invited to apply for funding to set up ‘warm and welcoming spaces’ to help local residents this winter.

Derbyshire County Council is working with Derbyshire Voluntary Action to provide financial support to provide a warm welcome to residents around the county.

Grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 are available to support local charities, community groups or community venues to set up new warm hubs or contribute towards the costs of existing spaces.

The Warm and Welcoming Spaces aim to provide support for local people through the winter months – offering a place to meet new people, to enjoy a hot drink, get information on local services and take part in activities.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “Our Warm and Welcoming Spaces project has run successfully for the past two years, offering sociable and welcoming spaces for people around Derbyshire.

“We are looking forward to another successful year and encourage groups to come forward and apply for a grant to run their own warm and welcoming space.”

This year the grants fund will be administered by Derbyshire Voluntary Action on behalf of Derbyshire County Council.

Grants are available to eligible voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and community-led groups to set up Warm and Welcoming Spaces for local communities.

Grants could be spent on a variety of project costs including:

• Additional energy costs
• Furniture and improvement to facilities
• Additional staffing costs to cover extended hours
• Additional cleaning costs to ensure compliance with health protection guidance
• Activities and refreshments
• Additional activity costs

Jacqui Willis CEO of Derbyshire Voluntary Action said: “We're delighted to partner with Derbyshire County Council to help bring warm and welcoming spaces to communities across the county.

“These grants offer local groups the chance to make a meaningful impact, creating places where people can connect, find support, and feel comfortable during the colder months.

“We encourage all eligible groups to apply and take part in this initiative that brings people together and strengthens our community bonds.”

The Warm and Welcoming Spaces programme launches on Wednesday 20th November 2024 and will run until 31st March 2025.

The deadline for grant applications is 31st January 2025.

To apply for a grant visit dva.org.uk/warm-and-welcoming-spaces-grant

To find out more about Warm and Welcoming Spaces visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/warmspaces 

Alternatively you can email samuel.bostock @ derbyshire.gov.uk or Kim @ DVA.org.uk