Community groups and organisations across Cumbria are offered financial support to help people keep warm over winter.
Working with Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Community Foundation is offering grants of up to £500 from the Warm Spots Fund to help create a network of places where people can go to keep warm and socialise.
A Warm Spot should offer a warm, heated space, a warm welcome with at least one member of staff or volunteer, a hot drink and be open for at least two hours each week.
Funding can be used to cover energy bills, additional staff time, volunteer expenses, provision of drinks and venue hire, as well as other relevant costs.
This is the third winter the Warm Spots Fund has been available, with grants provided in previous years to venues up and down the county, including The Salvation Army in Barrow, Moot Hall in Brampton, Appleby Cricket Club and The Settlement in Maryport.
Samuel James Boyd Gilmore, a volunteer at Staveley with Ings Together, explained the difference the Warm Spot there had made to the local community last winter.
“Our Warm Spot was an open to all space for people to come and share a cup of tea and some other refreshments,” he said. “We also had opportunities for activities with children from our local school. A Year 6 class visited, had their packed lunches with us, chatted to those attending the warm spot.
“We attracted some new folks as well as folk with disabilities who are even more isolated at home, so it’s been good to include them too.”
Jenny Benson, director of programmes & partnerships at the foundation, said: “Community groups across Cumbria do an amazing job of supporting those in need.
“Over the past two winters, Warm Spots have been a lifeline to many people struggling to heat their own homes, and we know that will be the case again this year. They also offer benefits beyond just helping people to keep warm, alleviating loneliness and isolation.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer this funding once again and urge community groups and venues to apply.”
Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council said: “Cumberland Council is delighted to be able to support the Warm Spots Fund again this winter.
“Many older residents are at heightened risk from cold-related illnesses, which can lead to serious health complications. The various warm spots across Cumberland provide a critical lifeline, helping to keep people warm and safe. I strongly encourage everyone who can to support this initiative.”
Grants from the Warm Spots Fund can be used to expand capacity or services offered at existing venues, or to start up in a new venue.
For example, a community centre may apply to cover the costs of opening a room with chairs and hot drinks at a regular time each week, or a parish hall may want to set up a coffee morning for the first time.
A toolkit is available with information and advice for anyone thinking of setting up a Warm Spot.
Applications to the Warm Spots Fund can be submitted at any time and groups should hear the outcome of their application within 10 working days.
For more information or to apply for funding, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/warm-spots-fund, call Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 825760 or email [email protected]
