More 'warm hubs' for Hampshire this winter
They offer a safe place for people to go and stay warm
More 'warm hubs' could be opened across Hampshire this winter.
As people battle the cost of living crisis, they offer a safe place for people to go and stay warm free-of-charge.
Hampshire County Council is now offering grants of up to £5,000 to community and voluntary groups to set them up.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby, said: “While households have been given a level of assurance that fuel bills will be contained to April 2023 for now, we know that many will still struggle significantly, facing exceptionally difficult choices about how budgets are spent this autumn and winter.
“As the colder months approach, we want to do what we can to support our local communities. We are therefore now inviting voluntary and community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 to develop and host warm hubs where people can gather together. This might be in the form of a regular coffee morning, or the provision of a shared activity, however we welcome creative ideas and concepts that will deliver support especially to our most vulnerable residents.”
Applications are open for the financial year 2022/23. Those wishing to apply can find more information and guidance on the Leader’s Community Grants web page. Any organisation wishing to apply for a grant to deliver a warm hub will also need to confirm that they will register on the Warm Welcome website.
Applications will be considered from Parish and Town Councils and local branches of national charities (where the support being provided is delivered specifically in Hampshire). Grant applications are welcomed at any time and will be dealt with on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Additional funding is also available to community groups from the Adult Services’ Local Solutions Grant fund to support local people maintain their independence. This includes assistance to organisations offering finance and money management support to those unable to easily access existing services, as well as for groups undertaking projects to help vulnerable people by reducing social isolation and loneliness.