Community groups across Chesterfield are being invited to apply for funding to support new or existing ‘warm and welcoming spaces’ to help local residents this winter.
Grants of up to £1,000 are available to support local charities, community groups or community venues to set up new warm hubs or contribute towards the costs of existing spaces.
The Warm and Welcoming Spaces are designed to provide support for local people through the winter months – offering a warm space to enjoy a hot drink, take part in activities and make new connections and friendships.
A network of these community spaces is already up and running in the borough, delivered by a range of partners and organisations.
The Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership, which receives its funding from Public Health at Derbyshire County Council, has agreed to provide financial support to existing spaces or to help set up a new location. The grant is being co-ordinated locally by Chesterfield Borough Council.
Councillor Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield has a strong and compassionate community network and we’re once again working together to provide support for people through the winter months.
“Thanks to funding from the Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership we are inviting local charities, community groups and community venues to apply for funding to either help with the cost of existing groups, or to set up a new space.
“These spaces are so valuable in our communities – not only providing a warm place to enjoy a free hot drink or snack, but they are helping to tackle loneliness by creating new ways for people to connect with one another, and access mental health support and advice.”
Grants are available to eligible voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and community-led groups in Chesterfield borough, for the creation or improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for local communities. Grants could be spent on a variety of project costs including:
- Additional energy costs
- Furniture and improvement to facilities
- Additional staffing costs to cover extended hours
- Additional cleaning costs to ensure compliance with health protection guidance
- Activities and refreshments
- Additional activity costs
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 27 November 2024.
For more information or to request an application form please contact Wendy Blunt at Chesterfield Borough Council on wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 959657, or Lucy Daly at Derbyshire County Council on Lucy.Daly@derbyshire.gov.uk.
