Community groups and organisations in County Durham are being invited to apply for financial support to help them become Welcome Spaces.
Durham County Council is working with Point North to offer the funding to the voluntary and community sector to create a network of spaces where people feel warm, safe and included.
The authority’s Family Hubs and 39 library buildings will also join the scheme.
A combined pot of £330,000 is available, with both the council and Point North contributing to the funding. £250,000 of the funding is from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Organisations can be supported with grants up to £3,000.
Last year 83 groups received funding and an evaluation of the schema suggested the range of additional support on matters like funding, housing and mental health were additional benefits to providing a space for stay warm and well.
Participants in the Welcome Spaces schema will be asked to sign up to a chart setting out standards for the scheme. The organisations receiving support will also be offered training on topics including basic mental health, food safety and safeguarding.
Cllr Alan Shield, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: “The energy price cap increases earlier this month, combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis, means that many residents, including pensioners affected by the loss of the winter fuel allowance are more concerned about the cost of heating their homes this winter.
“We also know that feelings of isolation can increase during winter, with cold temperatures and dark nights discouraging people from leaving the house. Welcome Spaces aim to help to relieve these concerns by offering them a safe, warm and welcoming environment where people can catch up with old friends, make new ones, seek advice and feel more connected to their communities.
“This funding will help to ensure as many residents as possible can benefit from the Welcome Spaces programme. We would encourage groups to apply for a grant so we can work together for the benefit of our communities.”
Organisations interested in applying for the funding should visit https://pointnorth.org.uk/grants/welcome-spaces-2024/ while. Those not eligible for a grant or who don’t wish to apply can contact
welcomespaces@durham.gov.uk to enquire about becoming a Welcome Space.
Residents will be able to find out about their closest Welcome Space on the durhamlocate.org.uk website. The directory will include information about opening times, accessibility and other facilities like the offer of hot drinks or Wi-Fi.
Point North, formerly known as County Durham Community Foundation, is working with Durham County Council to deliver the fund.
Jane Dennison, fund manager at Point North, said: “Winter is incredibly tough, with many in our community facing the difficult choice between staying warm, clean, or fed. This fund is designed to help community spaces stay open and provide much-needed relief during these challenging months – from offering hot meals and arts and crafts activities to providing a place where people can access the internet, charge their phones and access advice.
“We encourage local groups to apply for the fund so they can continue providing these essential services and meet the immediate needs of their communities.”