Online database launched of warm spaces in Borough of Scarborough
It's also a chance for people to get cost of living support
An online database that lists welcoming, warm locations and places where people can get help and assistance with the cost of living crisis has been launched in the borough of Scarborough.
The database will enable people to find a welcoming venue close to them this autumn and winter.
It is one of the initiatives of partnership working between Scarborough Borough Council, Beyond Housing, North Yorkshire County Council, charities and community groups to open up buildings, and provide advice and support to people affected by the rising cost of living.
The database is being coordinated and maintained by local community development consultants Sprouthouse, supported by Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale (SWR) Mind.
It will be continually updated as more groups and organisations come forward with offers of help and will include a facility for local groups to add their own cost of living support activities.
As well a place to get warm and see friendly faces, anyone attending one of the venues will have access to a range of support including housing, benefits, tax and financial advice.
In addition to the online database, people will be able to identify a welcoming location by the warm welcome poster or sticker displayed at participating premises.
Scarborough Borough Council’s Evron Centre in Filey and Falsgrave Community Resource Centre in Scarborough are offering a warm welcome to anyone who needs it.
The Evron Centre is open between 9.30am and 12pm every Tuesday and free tea and coffee will be provided.
Starting on 28 November, the team at Falsgrave Community Resource Centre will work with Edgehill Community Association to provide a free supper club every Monday evening between 4pm and 8pm.
North Yorkshire County Council’s libraries in Eastfield, Filey, Newby and Scalby, Scarborough and Whitby are part of the network of welcoming spaces, as are a range of other buildings, from community centres to village halls, and those run or managed by charities.
As announced last month a pot of ÂŁ10,000 to provide grants of up to ÂŁ300 has been created to support the roll out of the welcoming spaces.
Scarborough Borough Council says its Warm Welcome Fund provides voluntary and community groups hosting warm spaces with quick and easy access to financial support, which can be used to help fund associated costs including energy bills.
More than 20 local facilities have benefitted from the grant so far and the council is keen to support areas that currently lack free warm space provision as well as warm spaces that will be available on evenings or weekends.
More information about the Warm Welcome Fund is available by email from margaret.elwick@scarborough.gov.uk
Councillor Carl Maw, Scarborough Borough Council cabinet member for stronger communities and housing, said:
“We’ve had a great response so far to our appeal for organisations and groups that can offer a welcoming space at their venue to come forward. I am very grateful for their support.
“I know many people are worried about how they’re going to get through the autumn and winter months with the spiralling cost of living, particularly the recent steep rise in energy costs.
“I encourage people not to struggle in silence, to seek out their nearest welcoming space and access the advice and support on offer.”