Voluntary, community and charity organisations in Derbyshire can apply for a grant to set up warm and welcoming spaces this winter.

Derbyshire County Council has launched a warm and welcoming spaces fund to support organisations to provide a warm refuge for residents and their families struggling to heat their homes.

Organisations can apply for up to £1,000 towards the cost of opening up community venues or to extend their opening hours during the colder months.

The amount of grant funding awarded will be determined following assessment of eligibility criteria, consideration of the amount of hours that the warm and welcoming space will be open (especially at evenings and weekends), and the number of potential beneficiaries.

If you’d like to apply for a warm and welcoming spaces grant please email grants@derbyshire.gov.uk for an application form.

Applications will be accepted up to 1 March 2024, or until the funding allocated to the programme has been fully spent (whichever is sooner).

To qualify for a grant, organisations must pledge to offer a heated space during the winter months, provide seating, offer refreshments such as a warm drink and a biscuit, and be free of charge.

If you’re an organisation or charity that’s running a warm and welcoming space, please register your venue with the Warm Welcome Spaces Campaign so that local residents can find you.

By registering your space for free, you’ll get awareness of your Warm and Welcoming Space via the national campaign, the media, digital channels, and an online map. It will also help you to attract volunteers and connect with other venues. You’ll get the latest updates, tips, and resources via the Warm Welcome Spaces Campaign newsletter.

If you need any help, contact the Warm Welcome Campaign email: info@warmwelcome.uk