Community organisations have been awarded a share of £40,000 of grant funding by City of York Council to support them in providing or setting up new Warm Places to residents in need this winter.
Warm Places are indoor spaces open to residents to visit free of charge for at least two hours a week, with no need to buy anything.
Community and voluntary organisations across the city were invited to apply for a Warm Place Grant. 19 organisations applied and have been awarded grants ranging between £300-£500.
The funding will be used to support community hubs and Warm Places with their fuel bills, as well as set up new ones. It will support expenses such as buying catering equipment, extending opening hours and running new activities. This will enable some organisations to offer advice sessions and extend their support to the community.
Currently 27 local organisations are offering warm spaces this winter – 12 in the community and 15 by Explore Libraries. More are expected to open thanks to these grants.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “We really value the many organisations which have opened their doors to be Warm Places this winter. They will also be struggling with managing the rising cost of energy, so we’re delighted to be able to extend some financial support so they can offer a warm welcome to those in need.
“Besides giving residents somewhere warm to visit, our Warm Places are helping reduce social isolation and giving people access to advice and information. They are also enabling some groups to extend the support they offer to the local community now and beyond this winter.
“If you are struggling this winter, please remember you are not alone, there is support, so please reach out and don’t suffer in silence.”
More information about and locations of Warm Places are at: www.york.gov.uk/WarmPlaces.
Anyone responsible for a venue that is offering, or is considering offering a Warm Place and which is not yet listed, please email shapingneighbourhoods@york.gov.uk.
Information on support to anyone struggling this winter is available at: www.york.gov.uk/benefits and at www.york.gov.uk/ and at http://www.livewellyork.co.uk/communityfood
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