Groups in New Forest to be given financial support to set up 'warm spaces'

The District Council has a grant scheme

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 19th Oct 2022
Last updated 19th Oct 2022

Grants are being provided to groups across the New Forest who are providing 'warm banks' this winter

The New Forest District Council has set up a specific grant scheme where local groups and organisations can apply for one-off funding to offer a warm welcoming space this winter.

Grants of between £200 and £1,000 are being offered.

Ryan Stevens, service manager at NFDC, said,

“These are being referred to nationally as ‘warm spaces’ or ‘warm banks’, and we know that there are already places in our community who run sessions and activities. The idea of our funding is to support a safe place where people can go to get warm, access food, chat over a hot drink, or learn about support available to them. If local groups want to set up sessions or activities, or want to put on existing activities for longer, or more frequently, then we want to hear from them as this funding could help them do that.”

Interested groups can apply online form at www.newforest.gov.uk/warmspacesgrant

Applications will be assessed taking into account the community reach and impact and will also consider the spaces already identified by partner organisations to ensure a spread of warm spaces across the district.

Cllr Edward Heron, NFDC Leader said,

“Services across the council are working with our many partners as part of a cost of living group to build on the range of support available. This includes promoting what we are doing, what help there is from other organisations we are working with, and providing advice and information on a variety of topics such as food, claiming benefits and energy.”

The council’s website has information on cost of living support online too www.nfdc.gov.uk/costofliving

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